Carr, VN; (2017) The Causal Efficacy of Inanimate Composite Objects. Masters thesis , UCL (University College London).

Abstract

The following would provide a valid argument for the elimination of inanimate composite objects (ICOs): P1. Any effect caused by an ICO is overdetermined by the ICO and its microphysical parts (Universal ICO Overdetermination). P2. If a material object exists, then it must be capable of causing at least some effects without overdetermining them C. No ICOs exist. Here I compose what would seem to be the strongest argument for Universal ICO Overdetermination, and then indicate available challenges to this argument. In Chapter 1, I suggest that both Kim’s (2000, 2005) Exclusion Argument and Merricks’ (2001) Overdetermination Argument can be adapted to provide valid arguments for Universal ICO Overdetermination. I indicate problems with the Kim-style argument, and leave interrogation of the Merricks-style argument for Chapters 2 and 3. In Chapter 2, I identify failings in Merricks’ sufficient condition for overdetermination, but develop it into a necessary condition for overdetermination. In Chapter 3, I propose a full analysis of overdetermination. With this, a New Argument for Universal ICO Overdetermination is put forward. In Chapter 4, I address the nature of the constitution of ICOs. I make a case for two distinctions between types of ICO. I suggest that the New Argument for Universal ICO Overdetermination can be adapted for application to each type of ICO. In Chapter 5, I indicate two ways that an opponent could challenge the New Argument for Universal ICO Overdetermination. The second, more promising, way suggests that all ICOs are capable of causing effects without overdetermining them. I conclude that the argument for the elimination of ICOs is not sound.

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