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Freedom, causation, and the consequence argument

Laura Waddell Ekstrom

pp. 333-354

Abstract

The problem of analyzing causation and the problem of incompatibilism versus compatibilism are largely distinct. Yet, this paper will show that there are some theories of causation that a compatibilist should not endorse: namely, counterfactual theories, specifically the one developed by David Lewis and a newer, amended version of his account. Endorsing either of those accounts of causation undercuts the main compatibilist reply to a powerful argument for incompatibilism. Conversely, the argument of this paper has the following message for incompatibilists: you have reason to consider defending a counterfactual theory of causation.

Publication details

Published in:

(1998) Synthese 115 (3).

Pages: 333-354

DOI: 10.1023/A:1005009029926

Full citation:

Waddell Ekstrom Laura (1998) „Freedom, causation, and the consequence argument“. Synthese 115 (3), 333–354.