Agent Causation
Agent causation, or Agent causality, is a category of determination in metaphysics, where a being who is not an event—namely an agent—can cause events (particularly the agent’s own actions). Agent causation contrasts with event causation, which occurs when an event causes another event. Whether agent causation as a concept is logically sound is itself a topic of philosophical debate.
Defenders of this theory include Thomas Reid and Roderick Chisholm. Reid believed that agents are the only beings who have a will, and considered having a will to be a necessary condition of being considered the cause of an event.
Causal agency refers to an individual’s ability to act and influence their environment to achieve specific goals or outcomes. It involves making conscious choices, taking initiative, and believing in one’s capacity to affect change. In essence, causal agency implies that individuals are not merely passive recipients of events, but active participants in shaping their own lives.
Key aspects of causal agency include:
Volitional action:
This involves the ability to make decisions, choose actions, and initiate behaviors.
Agentic action:
This refers to the ability to self-regulate, self-direct, and think strategically about achieving goals.
Action-control beliefs:
This involves having self-awareness, self-knowledge, and confidence in one’s ability to influence outcomes.
Causal agency is closely related to self-determination, which is the ability to make choices and take actions that are in line with one’s values and interests. Causal agency theory suggests that when individuals feel a sense of control and competence, they are more likely to engage in self-determined behaviors.
Examples of causal agency in action:
- A student who actively chooses their classes, sets academic goals, and implements strategies to achieve them is demonstrating causal agency.
- An employee who identifies a problem in their workplace and takes initiative to propose solutions is exhibiting causal agency.
- A person with a disability who advocates for their needs and rights is demonstrating causal agency.
In essence, causal agency emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to take an active role in shaping their own lives and achieving their goals.