Wesley C. Salmon versus G.W.F. Hegel on Causation, Principle of Common Cause and Theoretical Explanation Cover Image

Wesley C. Salmon versus G.W.F. Hegel on Causation, Principle of Common Cause and Theoretical Explanation
Wesley C. Salmon versus G.W.F. Hegel on Causation, Principle of Common Cause and Theoretical Explanation

Author(s): Igor Hanzel
Subject(s): Epistemology, Logic, German Idealism, Philosophy of Science
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: Salmon; Hegel; Reichenbach; causality; categories; theoretical explanation; common cause; causal loops;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to analyze the main contributions of Wesley C. Salmon to the philosophy of science, that is, his concepts of causation, common cause, and theoretical explanation, and to provide a critique of them. This critique will be based on a comparison of Salmon’s concepts with categories developed by Hegel in his Science of Logic and which can be applied to issues treated by Salmon by means of the above given three concepts. It is the author’s contention that by means of Hegelian categories it becomes possible to provide a critique of Salmon’s philosophy of science and at the same time to enlarge the concept framework of philosophy of science.

  • Issue Year: 18/2011
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 189-212
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: English