Single Idea 4774

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

Full Idea

If counterfactual claims can be made about causation, this suggests that there is more to it than mere regular succession.

Clarification

'Counterfactuals' are situations involving "IF x had occurred.."

Gist of Idea

Counterfactual claims about causation imply that it is more than just regular succession

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], §2.2)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.62


A Reaction

Interesting. Even Hume makes counterfactual claims in his first definition of cause, and all claims of causation seem to go beyond the immediate evidence.