What the author of this post calls an “idea” is actually a causal inference; and the ability to make accurate causal inferences is necessary for survival. The

What the author of this post calls an “idea” is actually a causal inference; and the ability to make accurate causal inferences is necessary for survival. The world is a dynamic, dangerous, and unforgiving place. Being able to understand the underlying causes of certain events; and then predict them and intervene before they occur is very beneficial for survival. It’s why people have been trying to figure out how the universe works for all of history. Now we can talk about the appropriate amount of confidence one should have in their causal inferences; but saying “causal inferences bad” is hyperbole and not very useful or informative.