Question

Identify the causal condition as necessary or sufficient or neither. Then identify it as proximate, controllable, or a background condition.

1. The waiter flipped out at me. I think it was because he was so busy and the previous customer gave him no tip.

2. The cult leader told them all to commit suicide. They thought the cult leader had infallible authority. They therefore followed through with the plan.

Answer 1

Answers:

1. Causal Condition - Because he was so busy and the previous customer gave him no tip.

It is a Sufficient Causal Condition. (The Causal Condition is a reason sufficient enough for the happening of the effect but is not necessarily the only cause).

It is a Proximate Condition. (The cause is reasoned as "I think", which specifies its chances of not being the Actual Condition.)

2. Causal Condition - They thought the cult leader had infallible authority.

It is a Sufficient Causal Condition. (The cause is Sufficient for the happening of the effect but is not enough for itbeing necessary. They Thought but they didn't Know).

It is a Background Condition. (It is the condition that drives the poresent Condition. There was the cause, hence they followed the order).