Single Idea 15294

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / c. Direction of explanation]

Full Idea

The concept of power can be used to explain the temporal directionality of the concept of causality, and, at the same time, makes that causality a genuine case of natural necessity.

Gist of Idea

Powers can explain the direction of causality, and make it a natural necessity

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 7.V)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.135


A Reaction

I'm not sure that powers actually 'explain' causal direction. It seems more like transferring the directionality from the process to its source. You are still left with brute directionality.

Related Idea

Idea 15293 If explanation is by entailment, that lacks a causal direction, unlike natural necessity [Harré/Madden]