Single Idea 9493

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

Full Idea

The notion of 'causal power' is not to be analysed in terms of causation; if anything, the relationship is the reverse.

Gist of Idea

We should explain causation by powers, not powers by causation

Source

Alexander Bird (Nature's Metaphysics [2007], 4.2.1 n71)

Book Reference

Bird,Alexander: 'Nature's Metaphysics' [OUP 2007], p.71


A Reaction

It is a popular view these days to take causation as basic (as opposed to the counterfactual account), but I prefer this view. If anything is basic in nature, it is the dynamic force in the engine room, which is the active powers of substances.