The Theory of Actionable Causality: A Logical-Mechanical Framework for Dismantling Cognitive Illusions and Pseudoscientific Claims

Abstract

Superstitions, dogmatic beliefs, and pseudoscientific claims prevalent in human society and cognition fundamentally stem from Illusory Causality. This paper proposes "The Theory of Actionable Causality" as a rigorous analytical and pragmatic logical toolkit. The theory establishes that the validity of a "cause" regarding any phenomenon or problem lies not in abstract speculation, but strictly in its physical availability, mechanical operation, and capacity for controllable intervention.

This framework formulates five foundational laws of causation: the Down-to-Up Approach, the Law of Single Actionable Cause, the Law of the Common Denominator, the Rule of Exclusive Mechanics, and the Law of Mechanical Trace and Retroactive Neutralization. Furthermore, through statistical verification via the Method of Difference and a systematic refutation of classical pseudoscientific counter-arguments, this paper demonstrates that any putative cause lacking present mechanical availability and actionable controllability holds a pragmatic value of zero