Causation in Early Modern Philosophy

Causation in Early Modern Philosophy, Volume 1, provides a rigorous examination of the fundamental theories that shaped 17th century thought. This scholarly work explores three primary accounts of causation: Cartesian interactionism, occasionalism, and the preestablished harmony proposed by Leibniz. By situating these concepts within their historical and philosophical contexts, the text analyzes how these frameworks addressed complex questions regarding causal relations and metaphysical structures.

The contributors investigate the relationships between these theories, specifically comparing occasionalism and preestablished harmony as responses to Cartesian metaphysics and physics. This volume of modern philosophy features in-depth discussions of influential thinkers such as Descartes, Gassendi, Malebranche, Arnauld, Leibniz, and Bayle. Through the study of both prominent and lesser-known figures, this book offers a comprehensive look at the history of causation and the evolution of early modern philosophical thought.