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Single Idea 14546

[from 'Getting Causes from Powers' by S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum, in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / d. Causal necessity ]

Full Idea

If causation involves any kind of necessity, it should survive the test of antecedent strengthening. ...It is plausible that for any type of causal process, that some new cause can be added which typically results in the effect no longer being caused.

Gist of Idea

Necessary causation should survive antecedent strengthening, but no cause can always survive that

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 3.5)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.56


A Reaction

[Idea expanded p.57] This is their key argument against the idea that causation involves necessity. In simple terms, show me a cause which necessarily leads to some result, and I will show you how you could prevent that result. Sounds good.