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26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 8. Particular Causation / a. Observation of causation

[extent of the observability of a cause]

11 ideas
We derive the popular belief in cause and effect from our belief that our free will causes things [Nietzsche]
We see what is in common between causes to assign names to them, not to perceive them [Ducasse]
The very notion of a cause depends on agency and action [Wright,GHv]
We give regularities a causal character by subjecting them to experiment [Wright,GHv]
Some says mental causation is distinct because we can recognise single occurrences [Mackie]
All observable causes are merely epiphenomena [Kim]
Causation always involves particular productive things [Harré/Madden]
Causation is directly observable in pressure on one's body, and in willed action [Tooley]
We should focus on actual causings, rather than on laws and causal sequences [Heil]
If two different causes are possible in one set of circumstances, causation is primitive [Schaffer,J]
If causation is primitive, it can be experienced in ourselves, or inferred as best explanation [Schaffer,J]