more from Baruch de Spinoza

Single Idea 4815

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / d. Causal necessity]

Full Idea

From a definite cause an effect necessarily follows.

Gist of Idea

From a definite cause an effect necessarily follows

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Ax 3)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.46


A Reaction

This encapsulate the view against which Hume was rebelling. However, nowadays no one thinks Spinoza is self-evidently wrong. How are we to distinguish between a cause and a coincident event? We must claim natural necessity.