Types of Causes

When a person has a belief in the structure of "x causes y" in explaining an undesirable present state they have/are in, this belief about cause can be viewed as various types of causes. And it will give you a better indication as to which level of intervention will work best for the person.

Types of Causes within a System

• Formal Cause
• Precipitation Cause
• Constraining Cause
• Final Cause

Formal Cause

Fundamental definitions and perceptions of something - i.e. basic assumptions & mental maps. Labels are as important as a person's maps. The fact of whether a label is in your map or not will affect your reality and how you think and behave or even can behave. Labeling and re-Labeling changes Reality.

Precipitating Cause

Past events, actions, or decisions that influence the present state of the system through a Linear chain of action-reaction.

Constraining Cause

It is the Present relationships, presuppositions, and boundary conditions which maintain the current state of the system, regardless of how it got there.

Final Cause

Future objectives, goals, or visions which guide or influence the present state of the systems giving current actions meaning, relevance, & purpose.