Studying at York
Causation & Laws - PHI00095H
- Department: Philosophy
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
Module summary
There will be study of the major theories of causation and laws of nature, the relationship between them, and how issues in causation may relate to the question of responsibility.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
To study the main theories of causation, laws of the nature, and the relationship between these two.
Module learning outcomes
Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the philosophical issues drawn from topics concerning the nature of causation and laws of nature, the connection between them, and how issues in causation may relate to the question of responsibility.
Module content
After considering the relationship between causation and laws of nature, we will consider three theories of law – regularity, contingent nomic necessitation and powers – and the particular theories of causation they support. Issues which come up in the course of this discussion will include the counterfactual analysis of causation, whether causal non-symmetry is to be understood in terms of human interventions; negative causation and process theories of causation and, how causation may relate to the question of responsibility.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Students will produce a one page (A4, 11 point) essay plan on one topic of the module, Friday of 8th week.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback on essay plan in 9th/10th week, and on final essay.
Indicative reading
Helen Beebee, Christopher Hitchcock and Peter Menzies (eds. 2009), The Oxford Handbook of Causation