Grounding Is Not Causation

Philosophical Perspectives 30 (1):21-38 (2016)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Proponents of grounding often describe the notion as "metaphysical causation" involving determination and production relations similar to causation. This paper argues that the similarities between grounding and causation are merely superficial. I show that there are several sorts of causation that have no analogue in grounding; that the type of "bringing into existence" that both involve is extremely different; and that the synchronicity of ground and the diachronicity of causation make them too different to be explanatorily intertwined.

Author's Profile

Sara Bernstein
University of Notre Dame

Analytics

Added to PP
2016-12-06

Downloads
1,214 (#8,675)

6 months
156 (#16,566)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?