Counterfactual Theory of Causation and the Problem of Causal Overdetermination
The problem of causal overdetermination poses a fundamental challenge to the counterfactual theory of causation.In response to this challenge,two opposing attitudes emerge.One attitude is to deny the physical possibility of overdetermination and to classify so-called typical cases of overdetermi-nation as harmless cases of joint causation.The other attitude is to advocate for the physical possibility of overdetermination and to believe that typical ca-ses of overdetermination are widespread.This debate prompts a deeper understanding of the definition schema of overdetermination,revealing that events,as causal relata,may exhibit hidden non-homogeneity.Upon clarification,it becomes apparent that the so-called typical cases of overdetermination are not real,and genuine instances of overdetermination are characterized by the insensitivity of the effect.This conclusion requires us to rethink the basic idea of counterfactual theory of causation.
万方数据
维普
