Single Idea 16805

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / g. Causal explanations]

Full Idea

The best known account of causal inference is Mill's Method of Agreement (only one antecedent is shared by the effects), and the Method of Difference (there is only one difference prior to the effect occurring or not occurring).

Gist of Idea

Causal inference is by spotting either Agreements or Differences

Source

report of John Stuart Mill (System of Logic [1843], 3.07) by Peter Lipton - Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) 01 'Descr'

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.18


A Reaction

[my summary of Lipton's summary of Mill]

Related Ideas

Idea 16835 The Methods of Difference and of Agreement are forms of inference to the best explanation [Mill, by Lipton]

Idea 16843 Mill's methods (Difference,Agreement,Residues,Concomitance,Hypothesis) don't nail induction [Mill, by Lipton]