Single Idea 11960

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 2. Types of cause]

Full Idea

I take for granted the primacy of singular causation. A singular causal state of affairs is not constituted by a generalization. 'Aspirin relieves headache' is made true by 'This/that aspirin relieves this/that headache'.

Gist of Idea

Singular causation is prior to general causation; each aspirin produces the aspirin generalization

Source

George Molnar (Powers [1998], 12.1)

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.187


A Reaction

[He cites Tooley for the opposite view] I wholly agree with Molnar, and am inclined to link it with the primacy of individual essences over kind essences.