Causal Models and Default

This paper criticizes some recent arguments by Halpern (2008) and others to the effect that the structural equations framework used for modeling relations of singular causation ought to be supplemented with some function, a normality ordering, reflecting the distinction between default or normal states of things and deviant or abnormal ones. A central contention of this paper is that these proposals are insufficient to solve the problem they are intended to solve. This raises the question whether we should search for a replacement for the structural equations approach or instead think of the failure of the Halpern proposal as due to a deeper problem with the project. In the conclusion, I provide an argument in favor of the latter thesis.Master of Art