Single Idea 14548

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / b. Scientific necessity]

Full Idea

Causation is consistent with there being necessitation in the world, but we claim that causation does not itself provide that necessitation.

Gist of Idea

There may be necessitation in the world, but causation does not supply it

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 3.8)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.64


A Reaction

Interesting. One might distinguish between causation being necessary, and causation supplying the necessity. The obvious alternative is that essences supply the necessity.

Related Idea

Idea 14546 Necessary causation should survive antecedent strengthening, but no cause can always survive that [Mumford/Anjum]