philosophy

Definition

Principle of Causality

The principle of causality asserts that every event has a cause and that the cause must precede the effect.

In its simplest form, it’s the familiar idea that everything happens for a reason.

Principles

Temporal Precedence

The cause must occur before the effect. It is impossible for an effect to happen before its cause.

Contiguity

The cause and effect are typically in spatial or temporal contact. An object can only affect another by touching it, either directly or through an intermediary field or particle

Asymmetry

The relationship is not reciprocal, meaning that a cause leads to an effect, but the effect does not lead to the cause.