Single Idea 5491

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

Full Idea

A general theory of causation in an area is possible only if the kinds of entities under investigation can reasonably be assumed to belong to natural kinds.

Gist of Idea

A general theory of causation is only possible in an area if natural kinds are involved

Source

Brian Ellis (The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism [2002], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Philosophy of Nature: new essentialism' [Acumen 2002], p.161


A Reaction

Human beings will be a problem, and also different levels of natural kinds (e.g. a chemical and an organism). 'Natural kind' is a very loose concept. He is referring to scientific, rather than philosophical, theories, I presume.