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Single Idea 8336

[from 'Causes and Conditions' by J.L. Mackie, in 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 8. Particular Causation / c. Conditions of causation ]

Full Idea

My account shows how a singular causal statement can be interpreted, and how the corresponding sequence can be shown to be causal, even if the corresponding complete laws are not known.

Gist of Idea

The INUS account interprets single events, and sequences, causally, without laws being known

Source

J.L. Mackie (Causes and Conditions [1965], §9)

Book Reference

'Causation', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Tooley,M. [OUP 1993], p.52


A Reaction

Since the 'complete' laws are virtually never known, it would be a bit much to require that to assert causation. His theory is the 'INUS' account of causal conditions - see Idea 8333.

Related Idea

Idea 8333 A cause is an Insufficient but Necessary part of an Unnecessary but Sufficient condition [Mackie]