In this episode, Jocelyn and Bradley consider how a more sophisticated understanding of causation and causality can help both scientists and non-scientists better understand the world. Using gun violence and climate change as case studies, the hosts discuss how controversies frequently arise from differing interpretations of causal relationships, and how the seductive lure of deterministic, linear thinking can lead us astray. Drawing inspiration from Aristotelean philosophy, modern physics, and Nicolas Cage (because, well, sure), the hosts argue that the way we think and talk about causes is crucial to having productive conversations on critical issues in science and society. Join us, friends, as we journey together into . . . the Cause-mos.

Links:
•xkcd, “Correlation”: https://xkcd.com/552/
•Spurious correlations: https://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations
•Strange Days on Planet Earth, “The One Degree Factor”: https://www.pbs.org/strangedays/episodes/onedegreefactor/
•https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting

Contact Science! With Friends (especially if you’re a scientist interested in a lively conversation about your science and science story):
•Gmail: [email protected]

Produced by the Basement Creators Network. You can find them at https://www.basementcreators.network/
Sound Editing by Vince Ruhl