From Reasons to Causes : A Theory of Causation

This work advances the state of the art of research on causation by proposing a theory that solves classic problems from overdetermination and pre-emption to spurious and simultaneous causation. It will be useful for students and researchers in philosophy, computer science, cognitive science, and law.

Why do we judge an event to be a cause? Holger Andreas and Mario Günther offer a fresh answer: causation is epochetic dependence along an inferential path where each step genuinely depends on the cause. The dependence is called epochetic because the effect must be inferable from its cause after suspending judgment on both. This theory matches everyday judgment in virtually all scenarios, including the classic problems of overdetermination, preemption, and omissions. The authors go on to solve the problems of spurious and simultaneous causation and thereby develop a reductive theory of causation in the spirit of Hume. The book will be useful for students and researchers in philosophy, computer science, cognitive science, and law. It is a must read for anyone who wants to keep up to date with research on one of philosophy's great problems.