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Articles

When it Comes to the Crunch

Trevor Emmott probes David Hume’s unreasonable view of cause and effect.

How many causes have you witnessed today? Even if you are reading this at breakfast, the list is long. Moments ago, the turning of a tap made water flow. Outside, you see trees shaken by the wind. From the instant you awoke, you have been the passive observer of countless causal relationships – and an active participant in many others.

Small wonder that causation has intrigued philosophers – the most notable being David Hume [1711-76].

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