3 ms·

how's that for mixing correlation & causation. Sorta like, I've noticed that I have a good time when my bank account is low. Low bank accounts must mean good

• zeveb 10y ago
  > how's that for mixing correlation & causation. I'm just noting the correlation. In some cases it's likely that causation goes one way (e.g. post-industrial changes), but in other cases it's not (e.g. well before there were enough men to make a mark on the Earth). Of course, even back then there's still a post hoc, propter hoc fallacy to watch out for: the mere fact that civilisation has done better as the world has warmed — if it is even a fact — doesn't mean that warming is the cause. It could be as simple as increased sunlight leading to both more plant growth and more heat, and more plant growth leading to more food & other resources for man's use. Which — if the case — would raise the question of how much is too much: a greenhouse in winter can be great, but an unvented greenhouse in summer can be unlivable for plants or anything else.