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Single Idea 15551

[from 'Causal Explanation' by David Lewis, in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 8. Particular Causation / d. Selecting the cause ]

Full Idea

There is no one right way - though there may be more or less natural ways - of carving up a causal history.

Gist of Idea

Ways of carving causes may be natural, but never 'right'

Source

David Lewis (Causal Explanation [1986], I)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Philosophical Papers Vol.2' [OUP 1986], p.215


A Reaction

This invites a distinction between the 'natural' causes and the 'real' causes. Presumably if any causes were 'real', they would have a better claim to be 'right'. Is an earthquake the 'real' (correct?) cause of a tsunami?