Single Idea 14537

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / a. Constant conjunction]

Full Idea

There can be constant conjunction without causation (coincidences) and causation without constant conjunction (smoking causes cancer).

Gist of Idea

Coincidence is conjunction without causation; smoking causing cancer is the reverse

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 1.2)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.9


A Reaction

This seems to be presented as a knock-down argument, but I think Humeans can reply to both of them. If you look at the wider pattern of coincidence, or the deeper pattern of coincidence, both of these counterexamples seem to fail.