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Non-causal laws: an alternative hypothesis to Armstrong’s hypothesis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Non-causal laws have long been a thorn in David Armstrong’s side. This paper aims to provide a more accommodating framework for these laws within Armstrong’s metaphysics of laws of nature. Armstrong proposed the hypothesis that non-causal laws supervene upon causal laws. In this paper, I present arguments against Armstrong’s hypothesis and propose an alternative hypothesis: non-causal laws are fundamental laws, not supervenient upon causal laws. Additionally, as some non-causal laws are functional laws, this paper will also delve into characterising the nature of functional laws. Finally, I will demonstrate how my conception of non-causal laws solves the identification problem posed by Bas van Fraassen.

Source: Principia an international journal of epistemology

DOI: 10.5007/1808-1711.2025.e96270

Author: Eduardo Castro

Institution: University of Beira Interior

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and History of Science

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4408896193

FWCI: 3.626

Cites:

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10