Single Idea 4076

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 8. Particular Causation / b. Causal relata]

Full Idea

My view is that causes are properties (not events); when we look for causes, we look for the aspect of a situation which made a difference, and aspects are properties or qualities.

Gist of Idea

Causes are properties, not events, because properties are what make a difference in a situation

Source

Tim Crane (Elements of Mind [2001], 2.14)

Book Reference

Crane,Tim: 'Elements of Mind' [OUP 2001], p.52


A Reaction

He is talking about explanations, which may not be causes, or at least they have a different emphasis. Don't events 'make a difference'? Events are ontologically weird