Does correlation means causation? Explain your answer?

Answer 1

CORRELATION
The relationship between two sets of data, that when one changes, the other is likely to make a corresponding change. If the changes are in the same direction, then there is a positive correlation. If it is in the opposite direction, then it is a negative correlation.

For example - I set off walking, after 15 minutes I have walked one mile, after 30 minutes I have walked 2 miles, after 45 minutes 3 miles etc. There is a direct correlation between the time taken and the distance walked. Likewise, the series of numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 has a correlation.


CAUSATION
In causal relations between events, if an event of the first kind occurs, an event of the second kind will or must occur, and the first event will explain the occurence of the second event. Possibly items other that events can enter into causal relations.

Example - I place a lighted match onto a sheet of newspaper and the newspaper catches fire. The cause of the newspaper burning is because I put a lit match on it. The first event is putting the lit match on the newspaper, the second event is the newspaper burning - one thing has led to another.

Answer 2

No. The definitions are quite clear that they aren't the same thing. Whether or not a specific thing is a correlation or causation is irrelevant. A definition is applicable where it is.

If you read the 14 Defining Points of Fascism, much of that is correlation. Correlations are similarities that tie two or more things together, often used to give them a shared label. However, in the case of a given philosophy, et al, labelling two or more things as such is somewhat contingent on the motivations behind their respective approaches, not just in showing the similarities they share, thus meaning that the correlation method is arguably flawed, but that's a very subjective issue.

There can be correlations between acts, such as those that are criminal, however that level of causation may not be deep enough to ascertain motive. Suppose two men want to rob a jewelry store. The existence of the store could be called, though perhaps not correctly, as the causation, by its existence, for their intended criminal behavior. But, since not all men want to rob jewelry stores, the store cannot be placed as an absolute cause. The motivations for their intended criminal act may not be the same but have correlation, with both men being financially weak, yet with one acting out of desperation for some reason, and the other acting out of greed and laziness; the character affects the motive.

That's how I see it.

Note, this answer has been edited once.

Answer 3

correlation explains causation. does not necessarily equal to it. more of a means to explain how things work or happen. you can have several correlations of the same materials or whatever but they will not always add up to the single causation

Answer 4

Sounds like an interested question

Answer 5

every time i submit a question, even if it's the easiest one, they cannot give me a good informed answer on this website. what happened to people who actually make the effort to write an answer?

Answer 6

No, it does not.
Look in a dictionary and do your own homework.