Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) – Does Correlation Necessarily Have a Cause?

We’ve all likely heard the phrase, “correlation is not causation” or words to that effect. Join us IN PERSON at the next Café Inquiry as Phil Gleason leads a discussion about correlation and causation. Sometimes two (or more) things that correlate have a causal relationship – and sometimes they don’t. If we observe A and B together, did A cause B, or did B cause A? Or did something unobserved cause both A and B? Is it possible to have a correlation and not have a cause? Can we infer causation with a high degree of confidence without gold-standard controlled, double-blind studies? Here is a podcast interview with Judea Pearl, a leading expert on probabilistic and causal reasoning, that explores some basic ideas behind determining causation as well as diving a little deeper into the subject. Or you can read the transcript that’s also available in the link. This 4+ minute YouTube video gives a diagrammatic breakdown of some of the concepts discussed in the podcast. Finally, this short YouTube video highlights some of the concerns about the use of our data, which is related to our topic in ways that should become clear in our discussion.  This should be a fascinating conversation. Hope to see you there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.

Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/