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Single Idea 11937

[from 'Powers' by George Molnar, in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 4. Naturalised causation ]

Full Idea

Causal analyses of powers pre-empt the correct account of causation in terms of powers.

Gist of Idea

We should analyse causation in terms of powers, not vice versa

Source

George Molnar (Powers [1998], 4.2.3)

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.93


A Reaction

I think this is my preferred view. The crucial point is that powers are active, so one is not needing to add some weird 'causation' ingredient to a world which would otherwise be passive and inert. That is a relic from the interventions of God.