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Hume's Theory of Causation Angela M. Coventry

Hume's Theory of Causation By Angela M. Coventry

Hume's Theory of Causation by Angela M. Coventry


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Summary

Presents an interpretation of David Hume's account of what a 'cause' is. This book emphasises on the connections between Hume's theories of cause, space and time, morals, and aesthetics. It presents an argument that Hume's causal theory is best understood as 'quasi-realist', an intermediate position between realism and anti-realism.

Hume's Theory of Causation Summary

Hume's Theory of Causation by Angela M. Coventry

This is a brilliant new interpretation of one of the most famous, and yet one of the most puzzling, theories in the history of philosophy - David Hume's account of what a 'cause' is. Laying new emphasis on the connections between Hume's theories of cause, space and time, morals, and aesthetics, it will be of great value to anyone interested in Hume, causation, or metaphysics more generally. Causation has always been a central topic in the history of philosophy. Many theories of causation have been advanced, but not one has approached anything like general acceptance. Yet the concept of causation is prevalent in many areas of contemporary philosophy: there are the causal theories of language, of action, of personal identity, of knowledge, of perception, of scientific explanation and of reference. If causation is doing all this philosophical work, it seems essential to strive for an intelligible account of what a 'cause' actually is. One obvious place to start is Hume's analysis of causation, which is generally thought to be the most significant and influential single contribution to the topic. But despite the widely recognized importance of his analysis, many opposing interpretations surround his causal theory. There are some commentators who believe that his theory is a version of realism and many others who argue that it is a version of anti-realism. There is considerable textual evidence for, and also against, each interpretation. Angela Coventry develops a more conciliatory approach. She argues that Hume's causal theory is best understood as 'quasi-realist' - an intermediate position between realism and anti-realism. This makes sense of some seemingly contradictory passages in Hume's work and also provides an answer to a major objection that is commonly thought to devastate his causal theory. Coventry then goes on to outline a general, topic-independent, conception of quasi-realism as distinct from realism and anti-realism that allows it to stand as a consistent third alternative.

Hume's Theory of Causation Reviews

'Angela Coventry's book is an outstanding example of the way in which philosophy's past and present can illuminate each other. First, it provides a careful and insightful account of the distinction between realism and anti-realism, and a systematic approach to distinguishing quasi-realism as a genuine third alternative across a range of topics. Second, it gives a lucid, sensitive, and well-informed historical account of Hume's account of causation, arguing vigorously that an interpretation of that account along quasi-realist lines is superior, as historical interpretation, to more standard realist and anti-realist readings. Finally, she argues that the resulting Humean quasi-realist theory of causation is philosophically superior to other theories of causation that have been attributed to Hume. This book will be of great value to anyone interested in Hume, causation, or metaphysics.' Don Garrett, New York University

About Angela M. Coventry

Angela M. Coventry teaches philosophy at Portland State University, Oregon, USA. Among her publications are Locke, Hume, and the idea of Causal Power (Locke Studies, 2003).

Table of Contents

Preface; Chapter I: An Introduction to Realism, Anti-Realism, and Quasi-Realism; Chapter II: Quasi-Realism Again: An Intermediate Interpretation; Chapter III: An Introduction to David Hume's Theory of Causation; Chapter IV: The Intermediate Interpretation Applied to Hume's Theory of Causation; Chapter V: Concluding Remarks; Bibliography; Index.

Additional information

NPB9780826486356
9780826486356
0826486355
Hume's Theory of Causation by Angela M. Coventry
New
Hardback
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
2006-06-08
192
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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