Manipulation Theory

The manipulation theory of causations states that if x causes y, then a change, or manipulation of x should result in a change in y.  For example, the position of a light switch is a cause of a light being on because manipulation of the switch will change whether the light is on or off.  Two arguments against the manipulation theory are that it is circular and that it is anthropocentric.  The argument that it is circular states that there is a causal relationship between manupilation m and event x.  Saying it is anthropocentric means that x is too dependent on human manipulation. 

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/causation-mani/