Abstract

The process theory of causation represents one major account amongst all relevant causal theories today. Its main idea is to give up on the “traditional view” of causation, spelled out roughly by “event C causes event E” where the causal relation is then analyzed in terms of concepts involving for example necessity, counterfactual dependence, or constant conjunction. Rather, “processes” transmit causal influence even over long distances, sometimes interacting with other processes. The main proponent of this idea was Wesley C. Salmon, and his version of it can be deemed the core of the concept. This text is an introduction to the topic for philosophers and students.