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--- public:t_720_atai:atai-18:lecture_notes_experience-based_learning [2018/11/02 14:30] – [Probability] thorisson
+++ public:t_720_atai:atai-18:lecture_notes_experience-based_learning [2024/04/29 13:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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 ==== Causation ====
-|  What It Is  | A causal variable can (informally) be defined as a variable whose relationship with another variable is such that when changed it will change the other variable. \\ Example: A light switch is designed specifically to //cause// the light to turn on and off. \\ In //a causal analysis// based on **abduction** one may reason that a light that was OFF but is now ON may indicate that someone or something flipped the light switch. (The inverse - a light that was on but is now off - has a larger set of reasonable causes, in addition to someone turning it off, a power outage or bulb burnout.     |
+|  What It Is  | A causal variable can (informally) be defined as a variable whose relationship with another variable is such that when changed it will change the other variable. \\ Example: A light switch is designed specifically to //cause// the light to turn on and off. \\ In //a causal analysis// based on **abduction** one may reason that, given that light switches don't tend to flip randomly, a light that was **off** but is now **on** may indicate that someone or something flipped the light switch. (The inverse - a light that was on but is now off - has a larger set of reasonable causes, in addition to someone turning it off, a power outage or bulb burnout.     |
 |  Why It Is Important  | Causation is the foundation of empirical science. Without knowledge about causal relations it is impossible to get anything done.     |
 |  History  | David Hume (1711-1776) is one of the most influential philosophers addressing the topic. From the Encyclopedia of Philosophy: "...advocate[s] ... that there are no innate ideas and that all knowledge comes from experience, Hume is known for applying this standard rigorously to causation and necessity." [[https://www.iep.utm.edu/hume-cau/|REF]] \\ This makes Hume an //empiricist.//   |