Causality

:For the causal in mysticism, see causal realm.

Related Topics:
Mysticism - Causal realm

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The philosophical concept of causality or causation refers to the set of all particular "causal" or "cause-and-effect" relations. A neutral definition is notoriously hard to provide since every aspect of causation has received substantial debate. Most generally, causation is a relationship that holds between events, objects, variables, or states of affairs. It is usually presumed that the cause chronologically precedes the effect. Finally, the existence of a causal relationship generally suggests that, all things equal, if the cause occurs the effect will as well (or at least the probability of the effect occurring will increase).

Related Topics:
Philosophical - Event - Objects - Variable - States of affairs - All things equal - Probability

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Examples describing causal relationships:

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• The cue ball colliding with the eight ball causes the eight ball to roll into the pocket.
• The presence of heat causes water to boil.
• The Moon's gravity causes the Earth's tides.
• A good blow to the arm causes a bruise.
• My pushing of the accelerator caused the car to go faster.
 
Causality: Causation in the history of philosophy ►