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Causal Asymmetries
Paperback / softback
Main Details
| Title |
Causal Asymmetries
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| Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Daniel M. Hausman
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| Series | Cambridge Studies in Probability, Induction and Decision Theory |
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| Physical Properties |
| Format:Paperback / softback | | Pages:320 | | Dimensions(mm): Height 228,Width 153 |
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| Category/Genre | Philosophy - logic |
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| ISBN/Barcode |
9780521052429
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| Classifications | Dewey:122 |
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| Audience | | Professional & Vocational | |
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| Illustrations |
34 Line drawings, unspecified
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Publishing Details |
| Publisher |
Cambridge University Press
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| Imprint |
Cambridge University Press
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| Publication Date |
29 January 2008 |
| Publication Country |
United Kingdom
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Description
This book, by one of the pre-eminent philosophers of science writing today, offers the most comprehensive account available of causal asymmetries. Causation is asymmetrical in many different ways. Causes precede effects; explanations cite causes not effects. Agents use causes to manipulate their effects; they don't use effects to manipulate their causes. Effects of a common cause are correlated; causes of a common effect are not. This book explains why a relationship that is asymmetrical in one of these regards is asymmetrical in the others. Hausman discovers surprising hidden connections between theories of causation and traces them all to an asymmetry of independence. This is a major book for philosophers of science that will also prove insightful to economists and statisticians.
Reviews'Any serious student of causality - economist or philosopher - will find careful study of Hausman's a valuable tool for clarifying his or her own thinking about causality.' Journal of Economic Methodology
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