Single Idea 4210

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

Full Idea

You can't include in your concept of causation a clause stipulating that the cause occurred earlier than the effect, because that would rule out backward causation by definition.

Gist of Idea

If the concept of a cause says it precedes its effect, that rules out backward causation by definition

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.176)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.176


A Reaction

It may, though, be the case that backward causes can't occur, and time is essential to causes. The problem is our inability to know this for sure.