Single Idea 8387

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 4. Naturalised causation]

Full Idea

Some philosophers say that a cause has its effects in virtue of its properties.

Gist of Idea

A cause has its effects in virtue of its properties

Source

Tim Crane (Causation [1995], 1.4.2)

Book Reference

'Philosophy: a Guide Through the Subject', ed/tr. Grayling,A.C. [OUP 1995], p.193


A Reaction

The trouble with this approach, I think, is that it encourages us to invent dubious properties, because every explanation of an effect will require one. Dormative properties, for example, are ascribed to sleeping pills.