Single Idea 8404

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 1. Causation]

Full Idea

Some think singular causal claims should be explained in terms of general causal claims; some think the order should be reversed; some think a third thing (e.g. objective probability) will explain both; and some think they are only loosely connected.

Gist of Idea

Explain single events by general rules, or vice versa, or probability explains both, or they are unconnected

Source

Hartry Field (Causation in a Physical World [2003], 2)

Book Reference

'The Oxford Handbook of Metaphysics', ed/tr. Loux,M /Zimmerman,D [OUP 2005], p.443


A Reaction

I think Ducasse gives the best account, which is the second option, of giving singular causal claims priority. Probability (Mellor) strikes me as a non-starter, and the idea that they are fairly independent seems rather implausible.