On the Minimization Principle in the Boolean Approach to Causal Discovery

Jiji Zhang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingConference proceedingpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

I examine the role of minimization in the Boolean approach to causal discovery, focusing on a recent development of the approach, implemented in a method called Coincidence Analysis (CNA). I present some prima facie counterexamples to the soundness of the minimization steps in CNA, or to the validity of a minimization principle that is naturally suggested by the minimization steps. I discuss two possible responses to the challenge, and argue that while one (but not the other) of them is viable, it renders the role of minimization steps inessential in an important sense. I end by suggesting that the trouble with the minimization principle arises out of locally uninstantiated regularities that regularity theorists have no reason to dismiss.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhilosophical Logic. Current Trends in Asia
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of AWPL-TPLC 2016
EditorsSyraya Chin-Mu Yang, Kok Yong Lee, Hiroakira Ono
PublisherSpringer Singapore
Pages79-94
Number of pages16
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9789811063558
ISBN (Print)9789811063541, 9789811348631
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Nov 2017
EventThe Joint Conference of the 3rd Asian Workshop on Philosophical Logic & the 3rd Taiwan Philosophical Logic Colloquium - National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Duration: 5 Oct 20168 Oct 2016

Publication series

NameLogic in Asia: Studia Logica Library
ISSN (Print)2364-4613
ISSN (Electronic)2364-4621

Conference

ConferenceThe Joint Conference of the 3rd Asian Workshop on Philosophical Logic & the 3rd Taiwan Philosophical Logic Colloquium
Abbreviated titleAWPL 2016, TPLC 2016
CityTaipei, Taiwan
Period5/10/168/10/16

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Logic
  • Philosophy
  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)

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