Causes -
The concept of "causes" is the engine of our reality, driving everything from the microscopic shift of a tectonic plate to the grand sweep of human history. Understanding what makes things happen allows us to predict the future and change the present. The Invisible Threads of Causality
Humans are biologically wired to look for patterns and causes. This drive is at the heart of our most important disciplines: causes
: To understand a revolution or an economic shift, we must look at the underlying social and political causes. The concept of "causes" is the engine of
: Because of , since , on account of , due to , the reason for . This drive is at the heart of our
: A necessary cause must be present for an effect to occur (you need oxygen for fire), while a sufficient cause is enough on its own to produce the effect (a lightning strike is enough to start a forest fire).
: Reflecting on the causes of our own behaviors helps us make better choices in the future. Common "Signal Words" for Cause and Effect
: In complex systems like weather or economics, a tiny initial cause (the metaphorical flap of a butterfly's wings) can lead to vastly different outcomes over time. Why We Seek "The Why"