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Single Idea 22634

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / c. Counterfactual causation]

Full Idea

I cannot identify any prima facie reason to think that causation can be explained in counterfactual terms, but plenty to think that causation can explain counterfactuals.

Gist of Idea

Counterfactuals don't explain causation, but causation can explain counterfactuals

Source

R.D. Ingthorsson (A Powerful Particulars View of Causation [2021], 9.1)

A Reaction

Love it. Treating causation as counterfactual dependency is hopelessly superficial. What is the reality that is involved? He cites the second law of motion.

Book Reference

'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Time', ed/tr. Callender,Craig [OUP 2013], p.149