Single Idea 5445

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

Full Idea

Essentialist suppose that the inanimate objects of nature are genuine causal agents: things capable of acting or interacting.

Gist of Idea

Essentialists regard inanimate objects as genuine causal agents

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Intro)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.3


A Reaction

I have no idea how one might demonstrate such a fact, even though it seems to stare us in the face. This is where science bumps into philosophy. I find myself intuitively taking the essentialist side quite strongly.