Constant conjunction does not imply causation from "summary" of An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume
When we observe two events that are constantly conjoined, such as the rising of the sun and the warming of the earth, we tend to assume a causal relationship between them. This assumption is rooted in our natural inclination to seek patterns and regularities in the world around us. We see one event follow another in a consistent manner, and we infer a connection between them. However, this inference is merely a psychological habit, not a logical necessity. Just because two events are always conjoined does not mean that one causes the other. The regularity of the conjunction may be due to a number of factors, such as mere coincidence, a common underlying cause, or the operation of some unknown principle. We cannot jump to the conclusion that one event is the cause of the other simply because they always occur together. To establish a causal relationship between two events, we must go beyond mere constant conjunction and identify the mechanism or process by which one event produces the other. This requires careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. We cannot rely solely on the fact that two events are always conjoined to infer a causal connection between them. In our eagerness to find order and predictability in the world, we must guard against the temptation to equate constant conjunction with causation. While it is true that causation often involves constant conjunction, not all instances of constant conjunction imply causation. We must be cautious in our reasoning and not jump to unwarranted conclusions based on superficial observations. In sum, constant conjunction is not sufficient to establish causation. We must look beyond mere regularity and seek to understand the underlying mechanisms that link events together. Only through careful investigation and analysis can we truly determine the causal relationships that govern the world around us.
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