Principle of sufficient reason

Every contingent fact has a sufficient reason

The principle of sufficient reason (PSR) posits that every contingent fact must have a sufficient reason. This principle is often interpreted as implying that everything has a cause, especially within deterministic systems. However, necessary truths are not considered to require a cause due to their inherent necessity.

Example

If a tree falls in a forest, the PSR suggests there must be a sufficient reason for its falling, such as wind or disease.

Remember this

Understanding PSR helps us explore the underlying reasons behind events and phenomena, enhancing our comprehension of causality and necessity.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related concepts

Logical positivism

Logical positivism's verification principle claims only empirically verifiable statements are meaningful

Is–ought problem

Hume's guillotine: ethical conclusions can't follow from facts alone

logical positivism collapsed

Logical positivism collapsed because its verification principle couldn't verify itself, undermining its own foundation

Cosmological argument

Universe's existence requires a First Cause

Kripke's Naming and Necessity showed

Kripke's Naming and Necessity showed identity statements like 'water is H₂O' are necessary a posteriori

Moral nihilism

Moral nihilism asserts that nothing is morally right or wrong

Swipe through 100 ML concepts daily

Open Pocket Polymath