more from Sextus Empiricus

Single Idea 1898

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 7. Eliminating causation]

Full Idea

If cause neither subsists before its effect, nor subsists along with it, nor does the effect precede the cause, it would seem that it has no substantial existence at all.

Gist of Idea

Cause can't exist before effect, or exist at the same time, so it doesn't exist

Source

Sextus Empiricus (Outlines of Pyrrhonism [c.180], III.27)

Book Reference

Sextus Empiricus: 'Outlines of Pyrrhonism', ed/tr. Bury,R.G. [Prometheus 1990], p.196