I have great respect for the philosopher who so criticized me. That he apparently allows for uncaused effects does not serve to open my mind to their possibility, but merely serves to remind me how easily even erudite scholars can become confused. I do not allow for uncaused effects because uncaused effects represent a contradiction in terms. The idea of an “uncaused effect” is analytically false. It is a nonsense statement, akin to speaking of square circles and married bachelors. An “effect”