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Single Idea 15253

[from 'Causal Powers' by Harré,R./Madden,E.H., in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 2. Types of cause ]

Full Idea

The concept of cause may come to include the concepts of its usual effects. Concepts of this character are used in science, and in common language, to ascribe powers.

Gist of Idea

If the concept of a cause includes its usual effects, we call it a 'power'

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 3.II)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.66


A Reaction

See Theme 8|c|3 in Theme/Structure for more ideas about powers. It's hard to see how you could specify a cause at all if you weren't allowed to say what it does. I love powers, and want to make them the key idea in all of metaphysics.