If a nomic and causal relation is a relation in which something cause something else and this effect is dependent on the properties of the causal object, what is specific in a simple causal relation?
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This probably refers to the difference between the older conception of causation as manifesting causal powers of objects, and the more modern scientific conception where no such powers are assumed and episodes of causation are subsumed under some causal law (hence "nomic"), see Kim, Causation, Nomic Subsumption, and the Concept of Event. But it is hard to tell without more context.– ConifoldApr 6, 2021 at 10:39
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My question arise from Fodor's view of mental representations: i'm just reading an introduction of his work and it's said that Fodor think mental representations are formed through this nomic and causal relation with the world. But if there are nomic and causal representation, what are simple causal representation? The only thing I found online is the distinction beetween nomic and singular causation (by max born: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causality). I think it's what you linked up here.– LORENZO RIVAApr 6, 2021 at 14:06
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And I think it's the right interpretation, cause it's consistent with the fodor's distinction between type and token of representations.– LORENZO RIVAApr 6, 2021 at 14:06
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2 Answers
"Nomic" usually makes reference to the fact that there is a natural law, or some weaker form of lawlike regularity, which is exemplified by the relata of that episode of causation. The throwing of the stone and the breaking of the glass are like that (ceteris paribus, defeasibly, but robustly, etc. if a stone is thrown to a glass with the requisite force, the glass will break.)
I suppose it is possible to think of causation in the absence of this lawlike component. For example, depending on how you develop the notion of nomicity, it is possible that selection for a certain trait in a population, in a certain ecological niche, is not covered by any such lawlike regularity. But it will still be causal.
As referenced in your link, due to Hume's first 3 criterions to establish causality:
- "The cause and effect must be contiguous in space and time."
- "The cause must be prior to the effect."
- "There must be a constant union betwixt the cause and effect. 'Tis chiefly this quality, that constitutes the relation."
A singular (simple) causality just needs to satisfy 1 & 2, while a nomic causality has to satisfy 3 further to bear some at least probabilistic general laws.
For example, every time you see your car a fear is immediately felt (only by you) since maybe you had an unforgettable accident with this car before and it made a long-lasting impression only to you. So "you seeing your car then fear arose in you" is a singular causal relation, but not a nomic one due to no such general law exists applicable for most people when they see their cars.
answered Apr 6, 2021 at 17:17
