more from Harré,R./Madden,E.H.

Single Idea 15246

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 6. Causation as primitive]

Full Idea

The exercise of causal power is not a force or power that has some existence of its own but refers to forceful objects at work.

Gist of Idea

Active causal power is just objects at work, not something existing in itself

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 3.II)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.57


A Reaction

This seems to be a behaviourist account of causation, which should make us a bit suspicious. Powers differ from one another. Does all causation have something universally in common? 'Energy' is a stab at the missing ingredient.