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Fast and Slow Causation: An Interventionist Account of Speed of Change

Hanley, Brian J. (2022) Fast and Slow Causation: An Interventionist Account of Speed of Change. In: UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

This paper elucidates an important feature of type-level causal relationships that is critical for understanding why disasters occur in sociotechnical systems. Using an interventionist theory, the paper explicates a concept, causal delay, to characterize differences between how rapidly or slowly interventions can make a difference to their effects. The paper then uses this explication to illuminate aspects of causal reasoning in everyday and scientific cases involving speed of change. In particular, the paper shows how causal delay clarifies why some systems are more prone to disasters than others. The paper closes by analyzing critical tradeoffs in choices between different interventions.


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Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Hanley, Brian J.brianjohnhanley@gmail.com
Additional Information: Contributed Paper, Philosophy of Science Association 28th Biennial Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA
Keywords: Causation, Interventionism, Safety, Engineering, Causal Reasoning, Technological Disasters
Subjects: General Issues > Causation
Specific Sciences > Engineering
General Issues > Explanation
Depositing User: Brian Hanley
Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2022 14:45
Last Modified: 19 Nov 2022 14:45
Item ID: 21449
Subjects: General Issues > Causation
Specific Sciences > Engineering
General Issues > Explanation
Date: 2022
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21449

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