Rahman, Zachary Massim; (2001) Theories of causation. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

Text Theories_of_causation.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

I claim that causation is a basic feature of the world, of which no substantial philosophical theory can be given. I critically examine leading contemporary reductive theories that attempt to analyse or explain causation in terms of something else; in each case, I argue that the theory is inadequate in some fundamental way. Further, I suggest that such theories begin from an unduly restrictive viewpoint, and that once we broaden our purview to take in the range and heterogeneity of causal connections that we want to recognise in the world, causation appears not to be the kind of thing of which an illuminating theory should be expected. The thesis is set out in four main sections as follows: (I) Deterministic theories of causation: I begin with some classic theories of causation whose forms and failings set the agenda for thinking about the topic. I introduce the problem of pre-emption, and its source; and raise sceptical questions about some traditional tenets including (1) the claim that causation must always be backed by laws, and (2) the idea that causation is in at least some sense not perceivable. (II) The Relata of causation: Here I take up an issue raised by (I): what kinds of things can be causes and effects? I argue that all the extant theories of causation give an unduly restrictive answer to this question, which is hard to justify. I propose a tolerant approach; there is no obvious reason why there should not be a variety of kinds of causes or effects. (III) Probabilistic theories of causation: Most recent theories deny determinism and propose an analysis in terms of probabilistic relations. I show that none of these accounts work. (IV) Causation and Processes: A radically different proposal is considered: that causation might be identified with some empirically discoverable physical relation that connects causes and effects. Appealing to ideas previously raised, I show that this is not viable; its initial promise lies in the fact that it is less reductive - and to that extent closer to the truth - than the theories considered in (I-III).

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as CSVJSONXML

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item