Single Idea 3962

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / b. Nomological causation]

Full Idea

If two events are related as cause and effect, there is a strict law under which they may be subsumed.

Clarification

'Strict laws' have no 'ceteris paribus' (all things being equal) clause

Gist of Idea

Cause and effect relations between events must follow strict laws

Source

Donald Davidson (Davidson on himself [1994], p.231)

Book Reference

'A Companion to the Philosophy of Mind', ed/tr. Guttenplan,Samuel [Blackwell 1995], p.231


A Reaction

Davidson admits that this is open to challenge (though Hume and Kant supported it). It does seem to be central to our understanding of nature.