因果性と帰納法―ヒューム哲学における―

Abstract

It is often said that, in Hume's theory, the problem of causation and the problem of induction are always discussed together. In this paper, I aim at acquiring a deeper understanding of his theory of causation, by examining the relation between both problems. Firstly, in Hume's theory, the nature of causal relation is explained by causal inference. And causal inference is essentially induction. Therefore these three items are closely connected. (I, II) Secondly, from the above explanation, it follows that the nature of causal relation consists in constant conjunction. If this constancy must be completely universal, Hume's theory may be interpreted as a total scepticism. But it seems that Hume thinks about it in another way. For him, causal statements are suppositive ones founded on the experienced constant conjunctions. Only in this interpretation, we can understand the importance of the theory of causation in Hume's philosophy. (III) Thirdly, there are two difficulties in Hume's theory; the problem of singular causal relation and the problem of the distinction between a causal constant conjunction and a non-causal constant conjunction. The former is solvable in terms of the suppositive character of causal statements. The lattter can be no difficulty so long as Hume's worldview is completely deterministic. (IV, V) Finally, the remaining problem is the relation between a particular causal event and a causal law. I think, the key to this problem lies in Hume's theory of the external world. (VI)