Causal explanation: Recursive decompositions and mechanisms

Mouchart, Michel;Russo, Federica
(2011) Causality in the Sciences — ISBN: [978-0-19-957413-1], p. 317-337, published

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  • Mouchart, MichelUCLouvain
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  • Russo, FedericaUniversity of Kent
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Abstract
This chapter deals with causal explanation in quantitative‐oriented social sciences. In the framework of statistical modelling, we first develop a formal structural modelling approach which is meant to shape causal explanation. Recursive decomposition and exogeneity are given a major role for explaining social phenomena. Then, based on the main features of structural models, the recursive decomposition is interpreted as a mechanism and exogenous variables as causal factors. Arguments from statistical methodology are first offered and then submitted to critical evaluation.
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Mouchart, M., & Russo, F. (2011). Causal explanation: Recursive decompositions and mechanisms. In Phyllis McKay Illari, Federica Russo and Jon Williamson (ed.), Causality in the Sciences (p. p. 317-337). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199574131.003.0015