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From metaphysics to method: comments on manipulability and the causal Markov condition

Cartwright, Nancy (2007) From metaphysics to method: comments on manipulability and the causal Markov condition. In: Hunting Causes and Using Them: Approaches in Philosophy and Economics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp. 132-152. ISBN 9780521860819

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Abstract

Daniel Hausman and James Woodward claim to prove that the causal Markov condition, so important to Bayes-nets methods for causal inference, is the ‘flip side’ of an important metaphysical fact about causation—that causes can be used to manipulate their effects. This paper disagrees. First, the premise of their proof does not demand that causes can be used to manipulate their effects but rather that if a relation passes a certain specific kind of test, it is causal. Second, the proof is invalid. Third, the kind of testability they require can easily be had without the causal Markov condition.

Item Type: Book Section
Official URL: http://www.cambridge.org
Additional Information: © 2007 Cambridge University Press
Divisions: Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
CPNSS
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited: 03 Feb 2011 11:55
Last Modified: 13 Sep 2024 16:56
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/32081

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