By Wsevolod W. Isajiw
First released in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa corporation.
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Extra info for Social Theory and Methodology: Causation and Functionalism in Sociology
Sample text
B. Invariability: if x occurs,y will occur invariably; upon occurrence of x,y will occur without exception. II Necessity, involving A. Uniqueness of bond: there is a one-to-one correspondence between x and y; the existence o f y follows (not necessarily in time) in a unique and unambiguous way from the existence of x. There is a singlej for every and vice versa. In this way any cause other than x is eliminated. Thus: 'if AT, and only AT, thenj', or ' n o j without x9 and only x\ Unlike other characteristics of constant-conjunction and conditionalness, uniqueness is absent from other kinds of law, especially that of statistical regularities.
M E A N I N G OF CAUSALITY For the purposes of this study, the term causality will connote a relation of determinacy between phenomena. 51 c 25 Introduction This means that phenomena have bearing or influence upon one another and that that influence is not haphazard or arbitrary, but on the contrary shows regularity and consistency. The question whether all determinacy is causal is of no concern to this study. It suffices to accept that all causality is determinacy, and that causality permits of a number of types of determinacy.
If the phrase is functional for the state of the system j , ' means that x contributes to the maintenance or disturbance of the system j , then what is inescapably implied is that x is able to provide for the system y what it needs to maintain itself. Adequacy is implied in the notion of function itself, just as lack of adequacy is implied in the notion of dysfunction. , explanation through deduction from general laws. Accordingly, x can be said to warrant Ay because Ay can be deduced from general laws under which x can be subsumed.