Single Idea 14550

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / d. Causal necessity]

Full Idea

We can assert the general claim that smoking causes cancer without endorsing the claim that smoking necessitates cancer.

Gist of Idea

We assert causes without asserting that they necessitate their effects

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 3.11)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.71


A Reaction

This is the simplest demolition of the idea that effects necessarily follow causes. Necessitarians might wriggle out of it by focusing on the word 'causes' more closely here. Maybe this example isn't a 'strict' usage.