Single Idea 23016

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / c. Counterfactual causation]

Full Idea

Counterfactual theories of causation have difficulty accommodating pre-emption, which involves the existence of causal back-up systems that undermine counterfactual dependence.

Gist of Idea

Counterfactual theories struggle with pre-emption by a causal back-up system

Source

Baron,S/Miller,K (Intro to the Philosophy of Time [2019], 6.5)

Book Reference

Baron,S/Miller,K: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Time' [Polity 2019], p.169


A Reaction

E.g. If your stone hadn't broken the window first, my stone would have broken it instead. So in the nearest world the withholding of your stone doesn't save the window.