more from Wesley Salmon

Single Idea 8412

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

Full Idea

When two processes intersect, and they undergo correlated modifications which persist after the intersection, I shall say that the intersection is a causal interaction. I take this as a fundamental causal concept.

Gist of Idea

A causal interaction is when two processes intersect, and correlated modifications persist afterwards

Source

Wesley Salmon (Causality: Production and Propagation [1980], §4)

Book Reference

'Causation', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Tooley,M. [OUP 1993], p.164


A Reaction

There may be a problem individuating processes, just as there is for events. I like this approach to causation, which is ontologically sparse, and fits in with the scientific worldview. Change of properties sounds precise, but isn't. Stick to processes.