Single Idea 11207

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 5. Direction of causation]

Full Idea

When things are so related that one causes the other to exist, the cause can exist without what it causes but not vice versa.

Gist of Idea

A cause can exist without its effect, but the effect cannot exist without its cause

Source

Thomas Aquinas (De Ente et Essentia (Being and Essence) [1267], p.103)

Book Reference

Aquinas,Thomas: 'Selected Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. McDermott,Timothy [OUP 1993], p.103


A Reaction

This is open to question, if causes are supposed to be sufficient for effects. Presumably Aquinas would support the view that if the cause had not been, the effect would not have happened. But the current idea indicates the priority relation.