Proximal

created by Webster 1913

(idea) by enkidu (11.7 mon) (print) ? (I like it!) Tue Oct 23 2001 at 18:08:16

In discussions of reasoning or causality, a proximal factor is one that is close to the phenomenon you're studying, as opposed to a distal cause, which is conceptually or temporally distant. You might ask "why is there that stupid node about invisible husbands?" A natural answer would be "because someone thought it would be amusing," but a more proximal cause would be "because there was some text in the writeup box, and the author clicked stubmit."

Proximal causes are very closely related to their effects. As a cause becomes more proximal, it approaches indefeasibility under the laws of physics. However, it also tells us less and less about the larger context or related matters of interest.

(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Wed Dec 22 1999 at 2:19:40

Prox"i*mal (?), a.

Toward or nearest, as to a body, or center of motion of dependence; proximate.

2. Biol. (a)

Situated near the point of attachment or origin; as, the proximal part of a limb.

(b)

Of or pertaining to that which is proximal; as, the proximal bones of a limb. Opposed to distal.

printable version
chaos

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