epiphenomenon Definition
a secondary effect or byproduct that arises from but does not causally influence a process, in particular.
Using epiphenomenon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epiphenomenon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pain is an epiphenomenon of the disease.
Example
The color of the sky is an epiphenomenon of the scattering of sunlight.
Example
The behavior of the particles is an epiphenomenon of their quantum state.
epiphenomenon Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for epiphenomenon
- byproduct
- consequence
- result
- secondary effect
- side effect
Phrases with epiphenomenon
the philosophical view that mental events are caused by physical events in the brain but have no effects upon any physical events
Example
Epiphenomenalism is a form of dualism.
the idea that subjective experiences, such as colors or tastes, are byproducts of physical processes in the brain and do not play a causal role in the physical world
Example
Epiphenomenal qualia is a controversial topic in philosophy of mind.
the idea that consciousness is a byproduct of physical processes in the brain and does not play a causal role in the physical world
Example
The epiphenomenalism of consciousness is a debated topic in philosophy.
Origins of epiphenomenon
from epi- 'upon' + phenomenon, translating to 'superficial phenomenon'
Summary: epiphenomenon in Brief
'Epiphenomenon' [ˌɛpɪfəˈnɒmɪnən] refers to a secondary effect or byproduct that arises from but does not causally influence a process. It is often used in scientific contexts, such as 'The behavior of the particles is an epiphenomenon of their quantum state.' The term extends into phrases like 'epiphenomenalism,' which is the philosophical view that mental events are caused by physical events but have no effects upon any physical events.
