This discussion centers on the distinction between "substance causation" and "event causation" in the context of a speeding car hitting a pedestrian. The key question posed is whether the car itself or the transfer of kinetic energy is responsible for the fatal outcome. The consensus suggests that the transfer of energy and momentum leads to bodily stresses that may result in fatal injuries. Forensic pathologists are recommended as the appropriate experts to determine the cause of death in such scenarios.
PREREQUISITESPhilosophers, physics students, forensic pathologists, and anyone interested in the implications of causation in real-world scenarios.
Assuming the person does die - which is by no means certain - you'd be better off asking a forensic pathologist than a philosopher to ascertain the cause of death.sayetsu said:TL;DR Summary: If a car runs into a pedestrian, does the car kill them, or the kinetic energy?
A philosopher makes a distinction between "substance causation" and "event causation." If a speeding car (substance) hits a pedestrian, does the collision with the car (touching it while it's moving fast) kill the person, or does the transfer of kinetic energy or something - what, exactly, causes them to die, and how?
sayetsu said:TL;DR Summary: If a car runs into a pedestrian, does the car kill them, or the kinetic energy?
A philosopher makes a distinction between "substance causation" and "event causation." If a speeding car (substance) hits a pedestrian, does the collision with the car (touching it while it's moving fast) kill the person, or does the transfer of kinetic energy or something - what, exactly, causes them to die, and how?