Single Idea 4792

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 4. Regularities / a. Regularity theory]

Full Idea

The Humean view depends on the conjunction of two general theses: first, causation is tied to regularity; secondly, causal facts supervene on non-causal facts.

Clarification

'Supervene' means 'cannot be separated from'

Gist of Idea

A Humean view of causation says it is regularities, and causal facts supervene on non-causal facts

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], §4.5.4)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.133


A Reaction

If causation is just regularities, this means it is patterns observed by us, which means causation doesn't actually exist. So Hume is wrong. Singular causation is possible, and needs explanation.