Uncaused: meaning, definitions and examples
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uncaused
[ ʌnˈkɔːzd ]
philosophical discussion
Uncaused refers to something that does not have a cause or is not the result of a prior event. In philosophical discussions, the term is often used to describe an entity or event that exists independently of anything else, especially in the context of arguments for the existence of God or the beginnings of the universe.
Synonyms
self-existent, uncaused effect.
Examples of usage
- The uncaused cause of existence is a key argument in metaphysics.
- Many philosophers debate whether the universe could be uncaused.
- An uncaused event could challenge our understanding of causality.
Etymology
The term 'uncaused' is derived from the prefix 'un-', indicating negation, combined with the word 'caused,' which originates from the Latin 'causare', meaning 'to give a reason or to cause.' The use of 'uncaused' particularly emerged in philosophical texts discussing the nature of existence and causality. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Aquinas explored the concept of the 'uncaused cause' to argue for the existence of a first cause, often identified with God. Over time, the term has been utilized across various fields, including metaphysics, cosmology, and theology, reflecting debates about the origins of the universe and the necessity of a cause for existence.