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Single Idea 4396

[from 'On the Notion of Cause' by Bertrand Russell, in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 7. Eliminating causation ]

Full Idea

The law of causality, I believe, like much that passes muster among philosophers, is a relic of a bygone age, surviving, like the monarchy, only because it is erroneously supposed to do no harm.

Gist of Idea

The law of causality is a source of confusion, and should be dropped from philosophy

Source

Bertrand Russell (On the Notion of Cause [1912], p.173)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Mysticism and Logic' [Unwin 1989], p.173


A Reaction

A bold proposal which should be taken seriously. However, if we drop it from scientific explanation, we may well find ourselves permanently stuck with it in 'folk' explanation. What is the alternative?