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2 results

  • Chapter 2 - Causation

  • Eric W. K. Tsang, University of Texas, Dallas
  • Book:
    Explaining Management Phenomena
    Published online:
    15 December 2022
    Print publication:
    22 December 2022, pp 32-74
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  • Summary

    This chapter starts with a discussion of Hume’s regularity theory of causality, which argues that the idea of necessary connection between two events (i.e., cause and effect) cannot be derived from observing the events and must be derived from an internal impression. Simply put, a causal relation is a mere constant conjunction of events. A counterfactual analysis of causation is based on Hume’s remark that if the cause did not occur, the effect would not exist. Lewis develops the analysis using the concept of possible world. In contrast to Hume’s deterministic view of causation, a probabilistic approach argues that causes raise the probability of − but do not necessarily lead to − their effects. Causal graph modeling and vector spacing modeling are two major techniques of identifying causal relations from empirical data, with the latter being more suitable for management research. A mechanism is a causal chain producing the effect of interest, and process tracing is a technique for identifying mechanisms in qualitative research.

Causation

Causation
  • Luke Fenton-Glynn
  • Published online:
    16 June 2021
    Print publication:
    15 July 2021
  • This Element provides an accessible introduction to the contemporary philosophy of causation. It introduces the reader to central concepts and distinctions (type vs token causation, probabilistic vs deterministic causation, difference-making, interventions, overdetermination, pre-emption) and to key tools (structural equations, graphs, probabilistic causal models) drawn upon in the contemporary debate. The aim is to fuel the reader's interest in causation, and to equip them with the resources to contribute to the debate themselves. The discussion is historically informed and outward-looking. 'Historically informed' in that concise accounts of key historical contributions to the understanding of causation set the stage for an examination of the latest research. 'Outward looking' in that illustrations are provided of how the philosophy of causation relates to issues in the sciences, law, and elsewhere. The aim is to show why the study of causation is of critical importance, besides being fascinating in its own right.