The Tendency Theory of Causation

Wachter, Daniel von (December 2003): The Tendency Theory of Causation. Preprint.

Abstract

I propose a non-Humean theory of causation with “tendencies” as causal connections. Not, however, as “necessary connexions”: causes are not sufficient, they do not necessitate their effects. The theory is designed to be, not an analysis of the concept of causation, but a description of what is the case in typical cases of causa-tion. I therefore call it a metaphysical theory of causation, as opposed to a semantic one.

• Item Type: Paper (Discussion Paper)
• Keywords: philosophy, metaphysics, causation, tendency
• Subjects: Philosophy; Philosophy > Selfarchiving
• Dewey Classification: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 110 Metaphysics
• Language: English