Cause for Thought

An Essay in Metaphysics

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Cause for Thought by John W. Burbidge, MQUP
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John W. Burbidge ISBN: 9780773591950
Publisher: MQUP Publication: June 1, 2014
Imprint: MQUP Language: English
Author: John W. Burbidge
ISBN: 9780773591950
Publisher: MQUP
Publication: June 1, 2014
Imprint: MQUP
Language: English

Does the fact that everything has a cause imply that all events are causally determined? Drawing on discussions from the history of philosophy, John Burbidge's Cause for Thought captures the diverse dynamics found in physics, chemistry, biology, animal psychology, and rational action. At each level, forms of activity emerge that cannot be reduced to the functioning of simpler, more elementary components. By exploring the logic of what happens when two causal conditions reciprocally interact, Burbidge develops a concept of complex cause in which an agent generates effects not simply because of the action of its constituent components, but also because of the way those components mutually supplement and reinforce one another. By extending this to the interaction of agents with their environment, Burbidge throws light on the structure of organisms, on the distinctive contributions of consciousness and rationality, and on the quest for a comprehensive explanation of the cosmos. Recovering the force and legitimacy of metaphysical inquiry by focusing on the concept of cause and causality, Cause for Thought offers a new way of understanding natural processes, the role of consciousness and free will, and the significance of rational explanation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Does the fact that everything has a cause imply that all events are causally determined? Drawing on discussions from the history of philosophy, John Burbidge's Cause for Thought captures the diverse dynamics found in physics, chemistry, biology, animal psychology, and rational action. At each level, forms of activity emerge that cannot be reduced to the functioning of simpler, more elementary components. By exploring the logic of what happens when two causal conditions reciprocally interact, Burbidge develops a concept of complex cause in which an agent generates effects not simply because of the action of its constituent components, but also because of the way those components mutually supplement and reinforce one another. By extending this to the interaction of agents with their environment, Burbidge throws light on the structure of organisms, on the distinctive contributions of consciousness and rationality, and on the quest for a comprehensive explanation of the cosmos. Recovering the force and legitimacy of metaphysical inquiry by focusing on the concept of cause and causality, Cause for Thought offers a new way of understanding natural processes, the role of consciousness and free will, and the significance of rational explanation.

More books from MQUP

Cover of the book Putting Trials on Trial by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Imperial Irish by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Managing a Canadian Healthcare Strategy by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Promise and Challenge of Party Primary Elections by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Canadians Under Fire: Infantry Effectiveness in the Second World War by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book C.B. Macpherson by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Leaving Christianity by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book To the Spring, by Night by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Canada's Residential Schools: The Legacy by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book How Ottawa Spends 2008-2009 by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Rules of the Kingdom by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Behind Valkyrie by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Performance Studies in Canada by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book Generating Traces in the History of the World by John W. Burbidge
Cover of the book The Philosophy of Gesture by John W. Burbidge
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy