CT M4A1: Defining Types of Causation

CT M4A1 Peer Discussion

Peer 1

M4A1-Grider

Cheryl Grider posted Apr 6, 2018 2:15 PM

Two examples of causal sufficiency:

R is sufficient for S because R is all you need to get S, R is enough to get S. Schiffman, K. (n.d.).

Tickling my kids is sufficient for making them laugh.

This is sufficient because tickling my kids will make them laugh, but isn’t the only way to make them laugh. Telling a joke or doing a funny face will also make them laugh.

Giving my cat a treat is sufficient for making her happy.

This is sufficient because giving my cat a treat will make her happy, but isn’t the only way to make her happy. Petting and giving her a catnip mouse will also make her happy.

 

Two examples of causality necessary:

P is necessary for Q because P being true is needed for Q to be true. Schiffman, K. (n.d.).

Brushing your teeth is necessary for good oral health.

Brushing your teeth is necessary for good oral health, but flossing, seeing the dentist, and your diet are some other factors involved in good oral health.

Applying for a job is necessary for employment:

Applying for a job is necessary for employment, as you won’t get a job if you don’t apply for it, but isn’t the only factor involved in employment. Good interview skills and education are also involved in employment.

 

Sources:

Schiffman, K. (n.d.). Fundamentals: More About Necessary and Sufficient Conditions. Retrieved April 06, 2018, from https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/wiphi-critical-thinking/wiphi-fundamentals/v/more-about-necessary-and-sufficient-conditions

Peer 2

M4A1

Taumasina Tauala-Fila posted Apr 6, 2018 2:54 AM

Causally necessary example: To get an A in English 301 students turns in a term paper. This means that if a student does not hand in a term paper, then a student will not get an A or equivalently, if a student gets an A, then a student hands in a term paper.

Causally sufficient example: To get an A in English 301, an A grade must be received on every graded piece of work. This means if a student gets an A on every piece of graded work in the course, then the student gets an A.

Turning in a term paper is not a sufficient condition for getting an A in the course. It is possible to hand in a term paper and not get an A in the course. Getting an A on every piece of graded work is not a necessary condition for getting an A in the course. It is possible to get an A in the course even though one fails to get an A on some piece of graded work.