Author Description
In this revised and updated edition of The Secret Connexion, Galen Strawson explores one of the most discussed subjects in all philosophy: David Hume's work on causation. Strawson challenges the standard view of Hume, according to which he thinks that there is no such thing as causal influence, and that there is nothing more to causation than things of one kind regularly following things things of another kind. He argues that Hume does believe in causal influence, but insists that we cannot know its nature. The regularity theory of causation is indefensible, and Hume never adopted it in any case.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Does David Hume truly reject the existence of causal influence, or has his position been fundamentally misunderstood by the philosophical tradition? Galen Strawson, a prominent philosopher known for his work on metaphysics and the philosophy of mind, examines Hume's texts to challenge the prevailing 'regularity theory' interpretation. He argues that Hume acknowledges the reality of causal power while maintaining an agnostic stance regarding our ability to comprehend its underlying nature.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A re-evaluation of Hume's 'A Treatise of Human Nature' and 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding'.
- A critique of the standard empiricist reading of Hume's causal skepticism.
- An analysis of the distinction between causal influence and our epistemic access to it.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive history of all causal theories post-Hume.
- It focuses specifically on Hume's internal consistency rather than broader applications in modern physics.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars frequently cite this work as a significant intervention in Humean studies that forces a reconsideration of long-held interpretive dogmas. Experts note that Strawson's prose is rigorous and demanding, making it a primary resource for advanced students and professional philosophers interested in metaphysics.
Page Count:
262
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191022667
ISBN-13:
9780191022661
Philosophy
Epistemology
Philosophy history
Causation
Metaphysics
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