%0 Journal Article %J Logic and Logical Philosophy %D 2007 %T The Concept of Causation in Newton's Mechanical and Optical Work %A Ducheyne, Steffen %A Weber, Erik %X

In this essay the authors explore the nature of efficient causal explanation in Newton’s Principia and The Opticks. It is argued that: (1) In the dynamical explanations of the Principia, Newton treats the phenomena under study as cases of Hall’s second kind of atypical cau- sation. The underlying concept of causation is therefore a purely in- terventionist one. (2) In the descriptions of his optical experiments, Newton treats the phe- nomena under study as cases of Hall’s typical causation. The underly- ing concept of causation is therefore a mixed interventionist/mechani- cist one.

%B Logic and Logical Philosophy %V 16 %P 265–288 %G eng