Full Idea
We cannot distinguish between good and bad explanations of some phenomena, unless we first distinguish between causal and non-causal explanations.
Gist of Idea
We can't base our account of causation on explanation, because it is the wrong way round
Source
Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], Intro)
Book Reference
Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.11
A Reaction
This seems right, but it pushes us towards the idea that causation is non-analysable, and must be taken as a metaphysically basic axiom. If naturalistic accounts fail, that may be only alternative.