causal mechanisms

Causal mechanisms refer to the processes or pathways through which one event leads to another. For example, consider how smoking leads to lung cancer: smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the lungs, which damage cells and can lead to cancer. Understanding these mechanisms helps us grasp how specific actions or factors bring about particular outcomes. By identifying these pathways, we can better address issues, predict consequences, and develop effective interventions in various fields, from health to social science.