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Causal Facts

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

The thesis addresses the nature of causation. It is argued that causation exists and is as local as its causes and effects. As a consequence, the position advocated is contrary to the as yet prevailing view that no 'causal tie' between cause and effect exists. Moreover, it is suggested that this tie can be perceived. The essay attempts to elucidate the nature of causes, effects, and causal mechanisms. It is argued that they are facts rather than particulars or universals. Furthermore it is suggested that these facts can be conceived of as tropes. Finally, in the light of this thesis a few traditional issues are discussed: what is the relation between causation and explanation? How should we conceive of causal laws? Does the idea of mechanisms with different degrees of reliability further our understanding of the determinism/indeterminism issue?

Publishing year

1997

Language

English

Publication/Series

Library of Theoria

Volume

22

Document type

Dissertation

Publisher

Thales

Topic

  • Philosophy

Keywords

  • causation
  • trope
  • disposition
  • causal explanation
  • causal law
  • Philosophical logic
  • counterfactual conditional
  • causal mechanism
  • Teoretisk filosofi
  • logik

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0459-2603
  • ISBN: 91-87172-84-4
  • ISRN: LUHFDA/HFFT-97/1008-SE

Defence date

17 May 1997

Defence time

10:00

Defence place

Carolinasalen, Kungshuset, Lundagård.

Opponent

  • Matti Sintonen