Abstract

An examination of the idea of causal efficacy is taken up by the author because of recent interest in this theory as an adequate means of explaining concepts of natural science which are analogues to real essences. the author answers criticisms of hume's positive theory of causal belief and attacks the view that knowledge of causes gives some indications of the character of their effects. the conclusion states that grounds for reintroduction of the idea of causal efficacy appear to be insufficient. (staff)