What is required to establish causation between two events?

To establish causation between two events, it is essential to demonstrate both temporal precedence and the elimination of other variables. Temporal precedence means that the cause must occur before the effect in time; this is crucial because for one event to cause another, it must precede the latter in the sequence of events. Furthermore, the elimination of other variables is necessary to rule out potential confounding factors that could influence the relationship between the two events. By controlling for these extraneous variables, it becomes clear that the changes in one event are not simply correlated with fluctuations in another due to some other underlying cause.

In contrast, regular observation of both variables and a direct and consistent relationship can provide supportive evidence, but they are not sufficient to establish causation. Statistical correlation alone, without addressing the timing and the impact of other factors, does not imply one event causes the other, as correlation can occur due to chance or due to a common cause influencing both events. Thus, the combination of demonstrating that one event occurs before the other, while also controlling for other potential influences, is vital in establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.