CAUSE AND EFFECT
What makes an object fall directly on the earth's surface and what makes a ball float on water? The answers are gravitational force and air, respectively. This scientific fact proves that behind every effect there is a cause. The theory of "cause and effect was first propounded by none other than the Scottish Philosopher and Historian David Hume, who was born in Edinburgh. In this theory, he stated, "This is sufficient to observe, that there is no relation, which produces a stronger connexion in the fancy, and makes one idea more readily recall another, than the relation of cause and effect betwixt their objects." In other words, if we believe that a causal relationship exists between two events, then one of these events, the cause, will readily recall the other, the effect. He later claimed on the notion of physical causation, "We may define a cause to be "An object precedent and contiguous to another, and where all the objects resembling the former are placed in like relations of presidency and contiguity to those objects, that resemble the latter." The present branch of Logical and Analytical Reasoning ability is based on the same theory given by Hume. After considering the fact of its importance, we have decided to add this "Cause and Effect chapter.
In this chapter, you will
1. Understand the cause-effect relationship.
2. Learn different ways in which such a relation can be identified.
INTRODUCTION:
The student's analytical reasoning ability is tested by using questions on the subject of "Cause and Effect'. If an action or situation I.has occurred because of some other action or situation I, then II is the cause of I. In other words, I is said to be the effect of II.
DESCRIPTION:
These questions require that the given statements be classified as either "cause" or "effect". To do this correctly, the nature of the relationship that exists between the statements needs to be properly understood and identified
As there are different types of relations that can exist between the pairs of statements, a simple example is given to illustrate the point and to understand the concept better.
Example 1
In the following situation, identify which statement is the cause and which is the effect.
- Ustad Zakir Hussain is a genius who has composed amazing musical pieces through years of determination and hard work.
- Ustad Zakir Hussain was awarded the National award for outstanding achievement in music.
Solution: In this case, statement II has Occurred because of I. Without I, II would not have happened. This shows that I is the "cause" of ll or we can say that ll is the "effect" of I.
DEFINITION OF THE CAUSE-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP
If an action, event, situation, thought, or occurrence labelled I is responsible for or brings into existence another action, event, situation, thought, or occurrence labelled II and you can say II happened because of I, then there exists a cause and effect relationship between I and II. in this case,I is said to be the cause and II is the effect.
The different ways in which a relationship of this type can be identified are as follows.
1. One of the statements is the cause and the other is the effect.
Example 2
Identify the relation between the two statements.
I. The railway signaling system is not functioning properly.
II. There have been many rail accidents lately.
Solution: In this case, the malfunctioning of the signalling system is the reason for the rail accidents. Hence I is the cause and ll is the effect.
2. Both statements are independent causes.
Example 3
Identify the relation between the two statements.
I. The railway signalling system is not functioning properly.
II. There have been no population control measures implemented.
Solution: In this case, there is no relation between the two statements. It appears that there may be some outcome of the two given statements. For example, statement I may be the cause of accidents happening and statement I may be the cause of very high population growth. Hence, both statements are independent cause.
3. Both statements are effects of a common cause.
Example 4
Identify the relation between the two statements.
I. Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
II. Mother Teresa is loved and respected all over the world.
Solution: In this case, both the statements are effects of the exemplary work of Mother Teresa. Although there is no direct connection between the two statements, a link to the two statements is a clear indication of a common cause. Hence, both I and lI are effects of a common cause.
4. Two statements are effects of independent causes.
Example 5
Identify the relation between the two statements.
I. It is not possible to travel by a local train during rush hour.
II. There have been many rail accidents lately.
Solution: In this case, statement I is probably the effect of overcrowding in trains and statement l is probably the effect of faulty equipment or human error. Hence, I and Il are effects of independent causes.
Note: do not judge whether individual statements are correct or wrong from your personal
views.
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