CAUSALITY, MECHANISMS AND MANIPULATION

Galavotti, Maria Carla (2001) CAUSALITY, MECHANISMS AND MANIPULATION.

Abstract

This paper suggests an integration of Wesley Salmon's mechanistic theory of causality with a manipulative account of causation of the kind that has been recently defended by Huw Price and Peter Menzies. Firstly, Salmon's view of causality is outlined, and the main issues of the debate around it are recollected. Secondly, the manipulative view of causality is sketched and the possibility of its integration with Salmon's theory is considered for the purpose of coping with some of the problems raised by its critics.