In the real world there are no examples of causal connections that
are not discussions of causes which will only be partial, relative, or
contributory.
This bizarre statement resonates in a sort of intellectual chamber of
mirrors, taking on distorted shapes & angles whichever way you look at it.
When I sit on a pin, I know what a sole, proximate cause is. I don't think I
have sat on a "partial, relative or contributory cause" and I must consult
with Richard Smyth to learn more about it.
The fact that there are other causal factors that contribute to the occurrence of the pain is obvious from the fact that there are ways to block the pain from occurring despite the pin. That would be inexplicable if the pin were the sole cause of the pain.
Regards,
Richard Smyth
smyth@nc.rr.com