Causation and Laws of Nature (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy)

This is the first English translation of __Causalite ́ et Lois de La Nature,__ and is an important contribution to the theory of causation__.__ Max Kistler reconstructs a unified concept of causation that is general enough to adequately deal with both elementary physical processes, and the macroscopic level of phenomena we encounter in everyday life. This book will be of great interest to philosophers of science and metaphysics, and also to students and scholars of philosophy of mind where concepts of causation and law play a prominent role. Book Cover......Page 1 Half-Title......Page 4 Series Title......Page 5 Title......Page 6 Copyright......Page 7 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 9 Introduction......Page 10 1. What is a causal relation?......Page 18 2. Laws of nature and universal generalizations......Page 84 3. Applicability conditions and the concept of "strict law"......Page 108 4. Consequences......Page 131 5. The nomological theory of causation and causal responsibility......Page 148 6. Efficacious properties and the instantiation of laws......Page 174 7. Causal responsibility and its applications......Page 197 Conclusion......Page 222 Notes......Page 233 References......Page 260 Index......Page 270

This is the first English translation of Causalité et Lois de La Nature, and is an important contribution to the theory of causation. Max Kistler reconstructs a unified concept of causation that is general enough to adequately deal with both elementary physical processes, and the macroscopic level of phenomena we encounter in everyday life.

This book will be of great interest to philosophers of science and metaphysics, and also to students and scholars of philosophy of mind where concepts of causation and law play a prominent role.

What Is A Causal Relation? -- Laws Of Nature And Universal Generalizations -- Applicability Conditions And The Concept Of Strict Law -- Consequences -- The Nomological Theory Of Causation And Causal Responsibility -- Efficacious Properties And The Instantiation Of Laws -- Causal Responsibility And Its Applications. Max Kistler. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [251]-260) And Index. Translated From The French. Causation is one of the most fundamental tools we have for organising our apprehension of the external world and ourselves. This work seeks to reconstruct a unified concept of causation that is general enough to deal with elementary physical processes and the macroscopic level of phenomena we encounter daily in life Reconstructs a unified concept of causation that is general enough to deal with both elementary physical processes and the macroscopic level of phenomena we encounter in everyday life. This book is intended for philosophers of science and metaphysics, students and scholars of philosophy of mind