Causality is a feature of a model that separates a domain into independent, interfacing systems, whereby the evolution of one system is conditional of interfaced states of the other. If you treat the universe as a single, evolving state, then there is no causation within it.
If we know multiple theories to have the same explanatory power, we are not free to pick one as our preferred belief, but are rationally forced to remain agnostic. (Pragmatically, we may be forced to make bets, though.)
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So, as with believing in other minds in preference to p-zombies, I believe in a string of things that are neither tautological nor empirical; for instance that I live in a universe that is so stable and reliable I can meaningfully study it.
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But notions like explanatory power & scientific methodology can only come into play after making the prior choice to believe in the existence of things to which they apply?
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