Causalidade, contrafactuais e leis

Abstract

In this article, I examine the counterfactual theory of causation of David Lewis, showing its dual aspect as analysis of the concept of causation and as research of what causation really is. I compare the Lewisian theory with Hume's theory of causation, emphasizing the different role natural laws play in each system and argue that the counterfactual theory is more sensitive to capture the varied degrees of contingency of causal relationships.