Causality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Philosophy

• Causality is a central theme in philosophy, exploring how events are connected in reality.
• David Hume famously questioned the certainty of causal relationships, arguing that we can only observe patterns, not direct causes.
• Immanuel Kant posited that causality is a necessary framework for human understanding of experiences.

Science

• In science, establishing causality often requires experiments to determine whether one event influences another.
• The causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer has been recognized as a pivotal discovery in public health.
• Quantum physics challenges traditional notions of causality, introducing concepts like entanglement that defy simple cause-effect logic.

Psychology

• Causality affects human behavior by influencing decision-making; people often assess challenges through cause-effect reasoning.
• Cognitive biases, like the illusion of control, can make individuals overestimate their ability to influence events.
• Understanding causality is crucial in therapy, as recognizing patterns can help individuals change behaviors.

Literature

• Many narratives rely on causality to drive plots, as characters’ actions lead to consequences.
• The concept is explored in classic literature, such as the butterfly effect, where small actions have significant results.
• Causality also serves as a device in moral tales, where consequences teach important life lessons.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'causalis,' meaning 'of or relating to cause'.
• It began to be used in English in the late 14th century, evolving from earlier philosophical discussions.
• Notable philosophers, including Aristotle, laid early groundwork for understanding the concept of causes.

The term 'causality' originates from the Latin word 'causa', meaning 'cause'. It evolved into the Old French 'causale', which signified relating to a cause. The use of the word in the English language dates back to the 17th century, where it was used primarily in philosophical texts exploring the nature of existence and events. Philosophers like David Hume examined causality extensively, arguing about the need for a connection between cause and effect. In the 19th century, with the rise of scientific inquiry, causality became a key focus in empirical research, often associated with the laws of nature. Over time, it has become integrated into various fields, including social sciences and statistics, where understanding causal relationships is fundamental for analysis.

At position #13,196, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 13193 disgusted
• 13194 deleting
• 13195 shameful
• 13196 causality
• 13197 bravely
• 13198 mottled
• 13199 chronicle
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