Single Idea 8367

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 2. Types of cause]

Full Idea

The correct definition of the causal relation is to be framed in terms of one single case of sequence, and constancy of conjunction is therefore no part of it.

Gist of Idea

Causation is defined in terms of a single sequence, and constant conjunction is no part of it

Source

Curt Ducasse (Nature and Observability of Causal Relations [1926], Intro)

Book Reference

'Causation', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Tooley,M. [OUP 1993], p.125


A Reaction

This is the thesis of Ducasse's paper. I immediately warm to it. I take constant conjunction to be a consequence and symptom of causation, not its nature. There is a classic ontology/epistemology confusion to be avoided here.