On Algebraic Causation

Lisker, Roy (1986) On Algebraic Causation.

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Abstract

Definitions of Causation are shown to be specific to particular sciences. Also, the idealized notion of causation that is maintained by scientists working in a given field frequently differs from that which is used in actual practice.
All interpretationsof causation used in the sciences can be shown to have an algebraic structure, which we call a "Causal Algebra": a mathematical entity embodying the notions of Possibility, Impossibility and Actuality.
The algebraic approach is applied to various branches of physics, biology, geology. cosmology. At the end of the article a model for causation from the Big Bang is proposed.

Keywords:Causation; Physics; Biology;Geology; Function Algebras;Cosmology; Big Bang; Modal Logic; Analytic and non-Analytic models
Subjects:General Issues: Causation
ID Code:1293
Deposited By:Lisker, Roy
Deposited On:09 August 2003
Additional Information:This paper was presented at the 11th General Relativity and Gravitation Conference in Stockholm, Sweden in August 1986.