Causally: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'causa,' which means 'cause,' joining with the suffix '-ally' to form an adverb.
• In English, it has been in use since the late 19th century, often in scientific and philosophical discussions.
• Related terms like 'causation' describe the connection between cause and effect.

Science

• In scientific research, demonstrating that something happens causally is important for establishing true relationships between phenomena.
• Causality is crucial in fields like psychology and medicine, where understanding what causes issues can help in treatment.
• Newton's laws of motion use causal relationships to explain how objects move and interact.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like David Hume questioned causality, arguing that just because two events occur together doesn't mean one causes the other.
• The concept of causation has led to various philosophical debates regarding determinism and free will.
• In metaphysics, causality is a fundamental principle that relates to how events happen and what brings them about.

Pop Culture

• In storytelling, causality helps build plots, where one character's actions lead to consequences, creating tension and resolution.
• Movies often use causal chains like a character's poor decision leading to a dramatic conflict later in the film.
• Shows like 'Lost' frequently explore complex causal relationships, impacting character arcs and overall storylines.

Psychology

• Psychological studies often focus on causal relations to understand human behavior and predict outcomes based on certain stimuli.
• Causally-related concepts are used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to break down unhealthy patterns by identifying triggers.
• The 'causal attribution theory' examines how people interpret causes behind their own or others' actions.

Positioned at #20,070, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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