cause and effect

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Definition

The relationships between the parts of a system are described as cause and effect. Cause and effect are inseparable. Without cause, there is no effect. Without effect, there is no cause.

The cause and effect relationships ultimately depend upon the structure of the system, one of the system aspects.

Nature of cause and effect --

  1. Cause and effect are not separate. With feedback loops, a cause can drive an effect which drive the cause. Whether an influence is considered a cause or effects is a matter of perspective.
  2. Effects may follow cause much later in time, making it very difficult to understand the relationship between cause and effect.
  3. Effects may occur far away from the cause, also making it very difficult to understand the relationship between cause and effect.
  4. Effects are not necessarily proportional to the magnitude of the cause. A system may be very stable with significant blows from the outside, like a boxer taking a punch. On the other hand, catching the boxer unaware and pinching the right nerve may cause him to collapse with very little force.