causal chain
Connected events unfolding
A causal chain is a sequence of events where each one causes the next: the spark ignites the fuel, the fuel powers the engine, the engine turns the wheels.
The concept is fundamental to reasoning about cause and effect, appearing in philosophy, science, and law.
Investigators traced the causal chain from the faulty wiring to the fire.
- determinismDoctrine of causal necessity
- domino effectSequential causation phenomenon
- counterfactualsPropositions contrary to fact
- action and reactionPaired opposing forces
- ripple effectCascading secondary results
first domino · snowball effect · slippery slope · antecedent · mechanism · consequent · logic · teleology · epidemiology · domino · propagation · down the line · necessary condition · reasoning · necessity · butterfly · ripple · link
- consequencesconsequence, consequences, result, results, effect
- fatedestiny, fate, kismet, Moira, fated
- causationeffect, because, hence, consequence, consequently
- free willfree will, choice, volition, autonomy, initiative
- causalityeffect, antecedent, consequence, counterfactual, direct effect
- Cosmological Argumentsprime mover, unmoved mover, Aquinas, Thomas Aquinas, sufficient reason
deterministic connection
causal chainrandom occurrence
randomness · coincidence · accident · happenstance · fluke