The Problem of Causality in the Philosophy of Aristotle and David Hume

Abstract

Aristotle is one of the important philosophers of Western thought. For this reason, he is considered one of the architects of Western thought. His ideas on metaphysics have been influential in the formation of this thought. For this reason, metaphysics is one of the factors that will lead to truth from Aristotle's perspective; because the subject of metaphysics is being in terms of existence. Metaphysics, which investigates existence in terms of being, is a discipline that provides knowledge of first principles and causes. Furthermore, according to Aristotle, everything must have a cause. Things that occur without causality involve randomness. Being random means that causality is not possible. This is one of the ideas Aristotle opposed. In contrast to this idea, Hume criticized the concept of causality. From Hume's perspective, causality is not possible, but he claimed that it is based on habits. At the same time, Hume rejected the idea that “everything must have a cause.” This study will explain what causality is and compare Aristotle's and Hume's ideas on causality.