Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    If an agent can cause a prior event, a second agent could... — Carmelics
    Home
    HistoryEditSee Inverse

    Part of a larger discussion

    Supports→Backward causation is impossible if free choice exists

    If an agent can cause a prior event, a second agent could cause a prior event that blocks the first cause, generating an irresolvable causal loop.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Backward causation allows multiple agents temporal access to the same event, creating genuine conflict potential between their causal powers.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Without logical constraints preventing mutual blocking, two agents with backward causal powers face an unsolvable priority problem.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Physical laws require determinate outcomes; irresolvable loops violate this, suggesting backward causation generates genuine logical contradictions.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Backward causation may be logically impossible regardless of agents; the argument conflates metaphysical possibility with logical consistency.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Causal loops might resolve through consistency constraints: only outcomes compatible with all agents' backward causes can actualize (Novikov principle).
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.The argument assumes agents have independent causal powers over the past; but the past is fixed, limiting what 'causing prior events' can mean.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.

    Connections

    2 topics

    Causation1 linkedFree Will & Foreknowledge1 linked

    Related

    Backward causation allows multiple agents temporal access to the same event, cre...Backward causation is impossible if free choice existsBackward causation may be logically impossible regardless of agents; the argumen...Causal loops might resolve through consistency constraints: only outcomes compat...
    +3 moreShow less
    Physical laws require determinate outcomes; irresolvable loops violate this, sug...The argument assumes agents have independent causal powers over the past; but th...Without logical constraints preventing mutual blocking, two agents with backward...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit