Full Idea
The function of causal statements is 1) to explain events, 2) for predictive usefulness, 3) to help control events, 4) with agents, to attribute moral responsibility, 5) in physical theory. We should judge causal theories by how they account for these.
Gist of Idea
Causal statements are used to explain, to predict, to control, to attribute responsibility, and in theories
Source
Jaegwon Kim (Causes and Counterfactuals [1973], p.207)
Book Reference
'Causation', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Tooley,M. [OUP 1993], p.207
A Reaction
He suggests that Lewis's counterfactual theory won't do well on this test. I think the first one is what matters. Philosophy aims to understand, and that is achieved through explanation. Regularity and counterfactual theories explain very little.