Single Idea 4776

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 4. Regularities / a. Regularity theory]

Full Idea

In Mill's 'Method of Difference' the cause is the factor which is different in two cases which are similar, except that in one the effect occurs, and in the other it doesn't.

Gist of Idea

In Mill's 'Method of Difference' the cause is what stops the effect when it is removed

Source

report of John Stuart Mill (System of Logic [1843], p.256) by Stathis Psillos - Causation and Explanation §2.3

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.64


A Reaction

Like the Method of Agreement, this is a good test, but is unlikely to be a conclusive hallmark of causation. A footballer may never score unless I go to watch him. I become his lucky mascot…