Notion of Causality Review

Vocabulary flashcards based on the revision sheet regarding the principles, types, and philosophical oppositions of causality.

Principle of causality

The fundamental principle in science and classical philosophy which affirms that every event (effect) has a cause.

Deterministic causality

A type of causality where a cause always produces the same effect.

Probabilistic causality

A type of causality where a cause increases the probability of an effect without guaranteeing it.

Indeterministic causality

A concept where effects are not entirely determined by causes.

Necessary cause

A type of cause where the effect cannot exist without it being present.

Sufficient cause

A type of cause that is enough on its own to produce the effect.

Contributive cause

A factor that participates in the effect without being either sufficient or necessary.

Determinism

The philosophical opposition based on the rule: same causes $\rightarrow$ same effects.

Indeterminism

The philosophical opposition stating that effects are not totally fixed by causes.

Acausality

The philosophical concept suggesting the possible existence of events without a cause.

Boiling water at $100^\text{o}\text{C}$

An example of a deterministic cause under normal pressure.

Smoking

An example of probabilistic causality as it increases the risk of cancer.