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Causal modelling without introducing counterfactuals or abstract distributions

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  • Benedikt Holtgen
  • Robert C. Williamson

Abstract

The most common approach to causal modelling is the potential outcomes framework due to Neyman and Rubin. In this framework, outcomes of counterfactual treatments are assumed to be well-defined. This metaphysical assumption is often thought to be problematic yet indispensable. The conventional approach relies not only on counterfactuals but also on abstract notions of distributions and assumptions of independence that are not directly testable. In this paper, we construe causal inference as treatment-wise predictions for finite populations where all assumptions are testable; this means that one can not only test predictions themselves (without any fundamental problem) but also investigate sources of error when they fail. The new framework highlights the model-dependence of causal claims as well as the difference between statistical and scientific inference.

Suggested Citation

  • Benedikt Holtgen & Robert C. Williamson, 2024. "Causal modelling without introducing counterfactuals or abstract distributions," Papers 2407.17385, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2024.
  • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2407.17385
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. repec:pri:rpdevs:instruments_of_development.pdf is not listed on IDEAS
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