more from Rowland Stout

Single Idea 20083

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 8. Particular Causation / b. Causal relata]

Full Idea

In the Aristotelian approach to causation (unlike the Humean approach, involving separate events), A might cause B by being an input into some process (realisation of potentiality) that results in B.

Gist of Idea

Aristotelian causation involves potentiality inputs into processes (rather than a pair of events)

Source

Rowland Stout (Action [2005], 9 'Trying')

Book Reference

Stout,Rowland: 'Action' [Acumen 2005], p.149


A Reaction

Stout relies quite heavily on this view for his account of human action. I like processes, so am sympathetic to this view. If there are two separate events, it is not surprising that Hume could find nothing to bridge the gap between them.