Abstract

The phenomenon of causality is traditionally explained either as a natural connection, i.e. a relation active in reality, or as a mental operation upon that reality, i.e. a cognitive law. In this paper a third solution is proposed. Although the principle of causality is based on cognition, it is dependent upon natural language and its particular structure. The sentential syntax as well as the textual coherence imply a progressive development from the known to the unknown, from familiar to new. In this way, what precedes becomes a necessary condition for what follows linearly. Thus, logical reasoning is inherent to the structure of language and is executed, most naturally, within that medium