Single Idea 4212

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / d. Causal necessity]

Full Idea

One thing Hume has taught us is that the necessity which causation involves is at most 'natural' or 'physical' necessity, not metaphysical necessity.

Clarification

'Natural' necessity follows laws of nature, 'metaphysical' necessity has to be true

Gist of Idea

Hume showed that causation could at most be natural necessity, never metaphysical necessity

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.182)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.182


A Reaction

Given Hume's epistemological scepticism, I don't think he would claim to have shown such a thing. See G.Strawson's book. Metaphysical necessity of causation is possible, but unknowable.