The Attribution of Causality

Abstract

A theory of the attribution of blame must describe how people answer three fundamental questions: “What is the cause of this event or action,” “Is anyone responsible for its occurrence,” and “Who is to blame for the event?” But what exactly is meant by causality? How do perceivers actually use the concept? What is meant by responsibility? What process is involved in the assignment of blame? The philosophical discussion of causality in Chapter 2 permits a more precise answer to the first of these questions. The cause of an event or action must precede the event, with the last instant of the causal sequence being the first instant of the effect. The cause will be that single antecedent or group of antecedents that is sufficient for the occurrence of the effect. In keeping with the principle of necessity, “the” cause will be considered generative of the effect, rather than being a mere correlate of the effect. If there is to be subsequent blame, the cause must reflect human agency. Thus, the initial question becomes “Which antecedents involving human agency were sufficient for the occurrence of the action or event?”