Description
Book SynopsisPhilosopher John Campbell argues that humans are unique in our ability to imagine singular causation. While robots and nonhuman animals rely on general axioms concerning what causes what, humans can imagine the specific causes of specific outcomes. This suggests that even lifelike artificial intelligence will never truly empathize with humans.
Trade ReviewI found this book highly engaging. The parts about Karl Jaspers and social robots are packed with insights that will make you nod and smile. Campbell argues that singular causation in the mind cannot be analyzed in terms of general causation, but instead is brought to light by human practices that rely on our imaginative understanding of ‘the ballistics of people’s thoughts and feelings.’ These practices include attempts to reach legal verdicts beyond a reasonable doubt about people’s motives. The book is accessible, it discusses a range of long-standing philosophical problems about action and interpretation, and no one will drown in technical details. It’s simply fantastic. -- Susanna Siegel, Harvard University
There is a simplicity and directness with which John Campbell introduces and pursues material that has become cluttered and blocked in much philosophical discussion that has lost sight of the fundamental problems motivating such discussion in the first place.
Causation in Psychology offers genuine, true solutions that should change the philosophical landscape for good. A fascinating, deeply original book. -- Bill Brewer, King’s College London
