Recently, I had a discussion with a friend on interconnectedness and interdependence. In his view, interdependence ranks higher. We agreed that our discussion might be rooted in semantics. He proposed that I write about this topic. A related topic is causation, or cause and effect.
The subject of causation is annoying (to me and others) as we often confuse cause and effect. The mathematician and philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) agreed and proposed to terminate the entire topic. A recent Aeon video argues that causation still has some benefits.
My diagram on interconnectedness, interdependence, causation and probabilities looks as follows:
A Wikipedia definition for interdependency does not exist and redirects to either systems theory (ie, interdisciplinary study of systems), or to interdependence theory (ie, interpersonal relationships). In my view, there is also an interdependence within solar systems (eg, gravity, orbit)
The main issue/problem with the word interdependence is that most definitions use the explanation of “mutual dependence”. The word mutual is often limited to the number two. Hence, causation (ie, cause and effect) and interdependence are highly related topics.
Some related quotes by author Stephen Covey (1932-2012) on the above:
- ‘The first three habits surround moving from dependence to independence (i.e., self-mastery), the next three habits have to do with interdependence (i.e., working with others):
- ‘You cannot continuously improve interdependent systems and processes until you progressively perfect interdependent, interpersonal relationships.’
- ‘Life is, by nature, highly interdependent. To try to achieve maximum effectiveness through independence is like trying to play tennis with a golf club’
- ‘Dependent people need others to get what they want. Independent people can get what they want through their own effort. Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success.’
- ‘Interdependence is a choice only independent people can make’.
Cause and Effect (2008) by Maria Mena
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-artist, Wiki-album+song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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