ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the collected volume on formal causation. First, it sketches the history of formal causation, from its beginning in the works of Plato and Aristotle, its reception and critical discussion by the ancient commentators, and all the way to our current time. Second, it gives several reasons why we need a theory of formal causation, points out possible applications for such a theory, and explains the relevance of formal causation to ongoing debates in metaphysics and the philosophy of science. Third, the introduction looks at different approaches to formal causation in the literature, argues that they are concerned with the same phenomena, and collects open questions, some of which are addressed by the contributions of the volume. Finally, the contributions of the volume are summarised.
