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Single Idea 14572

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

Full Idea

There is an obvious Euthyphro question to be asked: is it true that c caused e because e counterfactually depended on c; or did e counterfactually depend on c precisely because c caused e?

Gist of Idea

Is a cause because of counterfactual dependence, or is the dependence because there is a cause?

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 6.8)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.151


A Reaction

The idea that causes could depend on a logical relationship of counterfactual dependence strikes me as so bizarre that only a philosopher could think of it.

Related Idea

Idea 336 Is what is pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because they love it? (the 'Euthyphro Question') [Plato]