| Popis: |
Scarcely had it been advanced by Berkeley than the volitional theory of causation received its first critical assault, at the hands of David Hume. Since Hume’s objections have been widely regarded as significant and even decisive ones, colouring both the reputation and the subsequent development of the volitional theory, this chapter examines them in turn and in close detail. It is demonstrated that since each of his objections admits of a possible rational response, his opposition to the volitional theory is far from the last word on the matter that many modern philosophers take it to be. The chapter concludes with an examination of the views of his near contemporary, David Hartley, with respect to causation and volition, noting both similarities and differences. |
