Aftercause

/ˈæftərˌkɔz/ noun

Definition

A cause that follows or results from another cause; a secondary or consequence-based cause.

Etymology

Compound of 'after' and 'cause' (from Latin causa). A philosophical and logical term used to discuss chains of causation.

Kelly Says

In philosophy, the distinction between a 'cause' and an 'aftercause' matters deeply—does poverty cause crime, or does the poverty that results from crime cause more crime? Understanding which is the aftercause versus the primary cause changes how we solve the problem.

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