Single Idea 16946

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / a. Constant conjunction]

Full Idea

Hume explained cause as invariable succession, and this makes sense as long as the cause and effect are referred to by general terms. … This account leaves singular causal statements unexplained.

Gist of Idea

Causation is just invariance, as long as it is described in general terms

Source

comment on David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature, + Appendix [1740]) by Willard Quine - Natural Kinds p.131

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ontological Relativity and Other Essays' [Columbia 1969], p.131


A Reaction

A nice 20th century linguistic point made against a good 18th century theory.