Abstracta Are Causal

Philosophia 48 (1):133-142 (2020)
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Abstract

Many philosophers think all abstract objects are causally inert. Here, focusing on novels, I argue that some abstracta are causally efficacious. First, I defend a straightforward argument for this view. Second, I outline an account of object causation—an account of how objects cause effects. This account further supports the view that some abstracta are causally efficacious.

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David Friedell
Union College

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