The problems of causation in contemporary western philosophy

Abstract

This thesis is intended to study problems in connection with causation in contemporary Western philosophy. To help the readers grasp a clear picture of the problems, the thesis also reveals how the notion of cause has developed from the Pre-Socratic Period through the twentieth century. After a careful study, the researcher found that the major problems of causality are sevenfold, namely, i. the problem of cause as necessary connection, ii. the problem of cause as constant conjunction, iii. the problem of cause as sufficient condition, iv. the problem of cause as INUS condition, v. the problem of cause as power, vi. the problem of cause as recipe, vii. the problem of cause as probability. Analysis of these problems is preceded by discussion of whether causes must precede their effects. The major part of this thesis consists in Chapter three. In the said chapter, I have attempted to show the readers the defects of each causal theory. In addition, after a clarification and an analysis of contemporary problems of causality, the researcher agrees with Taylor that causality is a primitive idea in a system of philosophical concepts-no other concepts can be used to analyse the notion of cause independently. Although the debate about causality is still ongoing, it is hoped that at least this thesis will contribute to a clearer understanding of the difficulties. Lastly, the researcher would like to invite criticism at a deeper level in the interest of ongoing metaphysical discussion.