How do historians define the term causation?

Historians define causation in a nuanced way, recognizing the complexities of historical events and the difficulty in isolating single causes. They generally avoid simplistic cause-and-effect thinking and instead emphasize the following:

1. Multiple Causation: Historians understand that most historical events have multiple contributing factors. It's rarely a case of "A caused B." Instead, a complex web of interrelated events, social forces, and individual actions contribute to the outcome.

2. Contingency: The idea of contingency means that historical events are often shaped by chance occurrences and unpredictable circumstances. Historians recognize that things could have turned out differently if even a small factor had changed.

3. Historical Context: Causation must be understood within the specific historical context in which it occurs. Events are shaped by the prevailing social, economic, political, and cultural factors of the time.

4. Weighing Importance: While recognizing multiple causes, historians often assess the relative importance of different factors. They may identify a "primary" or "most significant" cause while acknowledging the role of other contributing factors.

5. Long-Term and Short-Term Causes: Historians consider the long-term structural factors (e.g., economic systems, social inequalities) that contribute to events, as well as the immediate, short-term triggers (e.g., a political assassination, a natural disaster).

6. Proximate vs. Ultimate Causes: Distinguishing between proximate (immediate) and ultimate (underlying) causes helps historians understand the complex web of factors leading to an event.

7. Causation as a Process: Historians view causation as a continuous process rather than a single event. It's about understanding the ongoing interactions and developments that led to a particular outcome.

8. Avoiding Determinism: Historians strive to avoid deterministic explanations that suggest a single cause inevitably leads to a specific outcome. They recognize that human agency, chance, and other factors can influence the direction of events.

In summary, historians define causation as a complex and nuanced process, emphasizing multiple factors, historical context, contingency, and the relative importance of different causes. They strive to present a balanced and comprehensive account of the historical forces that shaped events, avoiding simplistic cause-and-effect narratives.