Single Idea 17527

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 9. Perceiving Causation]

Full Idea

There is evidence that the concept of causation is innate, or that we are primed to acquire it very early in life, within months at most.

Gist of Idea

Causation seems to be an innate concept (or acquired very early)

Source

Alexander Bird (Causation and the Manifestation of Powers [2010], p.167)

Book Reference

'The Metaphysics of Powers', ed/tr. Marmodoro,Anna [OUP 2013], p.167


A Reaction

Bird doesn't give any references. This is important for our understanding of induction. Creatures seem to learn from a single instance, rather than waiting for habit to be ingrained by many instances. They must infer a cause.