`...an interesting and original contribution to the realist argument' The Times Higher Education Supplement.

Ever since David Hume, empiricists have barred powers and capacities from nature. In this book Cartwright argues that capacities are essential in our scientific world, and, contrary to empiricist orthodoxy, that they can meet sufficiently strict demands for testability. Econometrics is one discipline where probabilities are used to measure causal capacities, and the technology of modern physics provides several examples of testing capacities (such as lasers). Cartwright concludes by applying the lessons of the book about capacities and probabilities to the explanation of the role of causality in quantum mechanics.

an extremely important and worthwhile book. Cartwright has ventured into exciting but largely unknown philosophical terrain ... all philosophers of causation will profit greatly from her explorations ... she has introduced a number of important new strands to the theory of causation ... [the] wealth of detail gives the book a depth of purpose which is rare in the philosophy of science.