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Max Black and Backwards Causation
Topics: Metaphysics
Keywords: Backwards causation, Bilking argument, Causal pre-emption, Causation, Max Black
In this discussion I point out that Max Black offers not one but two arguments against the (logical/metaphysical) possibility of backwards causation. Although both arguments fail in their intended aim, they show something of importance, viz., that defenders of backwards causation should understand Black’s Houdini example (and others like it) in terms of the ‘multiple causes’ model.