Chronology Current Month Current Thread Current Date
[Year List] [Month List (current year)] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Prev] [Date Next]

Re: Causation - how should we teach?



But on the scale of dilemmas, the causation issue seems
trivial. I see no advantage to saying F causes ma. And
I see no cost to alternative formulations such as
-- F is associated with ma.
-- F can be calculated from ma and vice versa.
-- etc.

We can use that language and perhaps we should, but it will be heard and
learned as F causes ma. And I think it probably needs to be learned that
way first. When I hear my students say that a net force causes, results in,
is associated with, etc. an acceleration and that the acceleration will be
in the direction of that force I will continue to be pleased.