The Principle of the Causal Closure of the Physical World

Abstract

It is possible to argue for physicalism from methodological or epistemic considerations or from an ontological position. In the last years one can find a powerful ontological argument for physicalism which makes essential use of what has been labeled "the principle of the causal closure of the physical world". In this paper I examine whether this principle can be grounded in physics itself. I propose that, with the aid of contemporary reductive transference or exchange theories of causation, conservation laws can provide such a basis to the principle of the causal closure. I also consider what modal force the principle may have.