Single Idea 4798

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

Full Idea

In recent writings, Armstrong makes a direct identification of necessitation with causation.

Gist of Idea

In recent writings, Armstrong makes a direct identification of necessitation with causation

Source

report of David M. Armstrong (A World of States of Affairs [1997]) by Stathis Psillos - Causation and Explanation §6.3.3

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.169


A Reaction

Obviously logical necessity is not causal, but as a proposal for simplifying accounts of necessity in nature, this is wonderfully simple and appealing. Is his proposal an elevation of causation, or a degradation of necessity?