Full Idea
Some abstract objects, notably certain universals, need to be invoked for explanatory purposes, even if it cannot be said that they themselves possess causal powers or enter into causal relations.
Gist of Idea
Some abstractions exist despite lacking causal powers, because explanation needs them
Source
E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 10.2)
Book Reference
Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.213
A Reaction
I am unconvinced that an entity with no causal powers could be any kind of explanation, given that, by definition, it can't do anything. You would have to think that the world of pure reason functioned without the aid of causal powers.