epiphenomena Definition
secondary phenomena that occur alongside or as a result of a primary phenomenon, but do not have a causal relationship with it.
Using epiphenomena: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epiphenomena" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The headaches were an epiphenomenon of the medication.
Example
The color changes in the sky are an epiphenomenon of the sunset.
Example
The rise of nationalism is an epiphenomenon of economic inequality.
epiphenomena Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for epiphenomena
- concomitant
- by-product
- side effect
Phrases with epiphenomena
the philosophical belief that mental events are caused by physical events in the brain, but have no causal effect on physical events
Example
Epiphenomenalism is a controversial theory in philosophy of mind.
the idea that subjective experiences, such as pain or pleasure, are secondary phenomena that do not cause anything in the physical world
Example
Epiphenomenal qualia is a concept that challenges the traditional view of the mind-body problem.
the belief that consciousness is a by-product of brain activity and has no causal effect on behavior
Example
The epiphenomenalism of consciousness is a controversial topic in neuroscience.
Origins of epiphenomena
from epi- 'upon' + phenomenon
Summary: epiphenomena in Brief
The term 'epiphenomena' [ˌɛpɪfəˈniːmənə] refers to secondary phenomena that occur alongside or as a result of a primary phenomenon, but do not have a causal relationship with it. It can be seen in examples like 'The headaches were an epiphenomenon of the medication.' 'Epiphenomena' extends into phrases like 'epiphenomenalism,' denoting the philosophical belief that mental events are caused by physical events in the brain, but have no causal effect on physical events.
