Causality, as Jim Rutt articulates it, is the principle that delineates the relationship between cause and effect, asserting that events or states arise as a direct result of preceding factors or conditions. He emphasizes its foundational role in understanding complex systems, from natural phenomena to human dynamics, by tracing the chain of interactions that precipitate specific outcomes. Rutt underscores causality's pivotal function in enabling predictions, crafting interventions, and explaining the mechanisms behind observed patterns. For him, a robust grasp of causality is essential for scientific inquiry and practical problem-solving, as it illuminates the inner workings of both simple and intricate constructs. Thus, causality is not just a theoretical concept but a fundamental pillar for navigating and influencing the real world.

See also: evolution, emergence, agent-based modeling, free will