We have been speaking of causation and correlation this week. We, as humans, believe that our determination of causation is solved by accumulating facts. Which is why I read voraciously and catalogue my knowledge. So, that I can have all the data I need at my fingertips- now. And, still I am not infallible.
Tag Archives: Correlation does not imply causation
And, the reason is…
Correlation and causation get confounded because our brains rely on our “vision”, what we see is what we believe. (BTW, this discussion began yesterday with this post- there will be two more in a row.) And, most of our causal explanations are naïve (even if they seem complex)- they rely on the fallacy of a single cause (or two). These oversimplifications help us understand phenomena, so we are positive they are correct.
I am SO good. Not!
This is not going to make a lot of you happy. I know, because it doesn’t make me happy, either. But, I understand the concept- even if I don’t like the corollary.