In an argument from cause, what type of cause must be present for the effect to occur?

In an argument from cause, a necessary cause is a fundamental element required for an effect to occur. This means that without this cause, the effect cannot happen. It establishes a direct relationship where the presence of the necessary cause is essential for the effect to manifest.

For example, consider the effect of a plant growing. The necessary cause for this effect would be sunlight. Without sunlight, the plant cannot grow, illustrating that a necessary cause must be in place for the particular outcome to take place.

Other types of causes, while relevant in different contexts, do not fulfill the foundational requirement needed to ensure that the effect occurs. Sufficient causes, for instance, can produce an effect but are not required for it to occur. Related causes might show a correlation, and conditional causes imply that certain conditions lead to the effect, but they do not guarantee the effect will happen in the absence of the necessary cause. Thus, identifying a necessary cause is crucial in constructing a valid argument regarding causal relationships.