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Single Idea 5523

[from 'Critique of Pure Reason' by Immanuel Kant, in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / d. Causal necessity ]

Full Idea

The very concept of a cause obviously contains the concept of a necessity of connection with an effect and a strict universality of rule, which would be entirely lost if one sought, as Hume did, to derive it from a frequent association.

Gist of Idea

Causation obviously involves necessity, so it cannot just be frequent association

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B005)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Pure Reason', ed/tr. Guyer,P /Wood,A W [CUO 1998], p.138


A Reaction

It is not clear (in the next paragraphs) whether Kant is saying causation is necessary because it is knowable a priori, or knowable a priori because it is necessary. I am quite sure that Hume cannot be dismissed as glibly as this.