[MD] Quick one: causation

[Ham Priday]

Chris --



> Allright, answer me this, just quickly - why can't the explanation of a 
> performed action by an individual be
> explained only in terms of physical causation?

I have no idea what precipitated this question, or what sort of arguments 
you expect, but will add my two cents anyway.

One can of course explain any act or event in purely physical (e.g., 
mechanical) terms.
However, if said act is intentional on the part of the individual, which the 
word "performed" implies, such an explanation is incomplete and misleading. 
If I perform action 'A' with the intent of causing event 'B', then I am the 
deliberate cause of 'B', regardless of what physical causes may be involved.

For example, if I place a pot of water on the stove and apply enough heat, 
the water will boil.  While this may be explained as an event caused by the 
transfer of thermal energy, thus bringing the water to the boiling point, 
the action occurred as a result of my intention to boil some water. 
Similarly, if I raise my arm and wave to a friend, neuro-muscular kinetics 
are involved, but only because I intended to perform this gesture.

Unless you deny "free will" on the ground that all behavior is 
genetically-programmed or socially-induced, the primary cause of voluntarily 
actions is the intended purpose of the individual who performs them.

 Regards,
Ham