Overdetermination Underdetermined

Solving inverse cone-constrained eigenvalue problems

We compare various algorithms for constructing a matrix of order n whose Pareto spectrum contains a prescribed set Λ = {λ1, . . . , λp} of reals. In order to avoid overdetermination one assumes that p does not exceed n2. The inverse Pareto eigenvalue problem under consideration is formulated as an underdetermined system of nonlinear equations. We also address the issue of computing Lorentz spec...

Overdetermination and Elimination

I focus on two arguments, due to Jaegwon Kim and Trenton Merricks, that move from claims about the sufficiency of one class of causes to the reduction or elimination of another class of entity, via claims about overdetermination. I argue that in order to validate their move from sufficiency to reduction or elimination, both Kim and Merricks must assume that there can be no 'weak overdeterminati...

A Closer Look at Trumping1

According to Schaffer (2000a), “trumping preemption” is a category of redundant causation distinct from early and late preemption and from overdetermination. I show that the putative causal difference between causal processes in cases thought to be trumping preemption generates early preemption or overdetermination rather than trumping. I draw a novel lesson from cases thought to be trumping: t...

Causal overdetermination for Humeans?

The paper argues against systematic overdetermination being an acceptable solution to the problem of mental causation within a Humean counterfactual theory of causation. The truthmakers of the counterfactuals in question include laws of nature, and there are laws that support physical to physical counterfactuals, but no laws in the same sense that support mental to physical counterfactuals.

Two Wrongs Do Not Make a Right: Responsibility and Overdetermination