Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

epiphenomena

noun

/ˌɛpɪˈfɛnəˌmɛnə/

Definition

Secondary effects or by-products that occur alongside a primary phenomenon, often used in various fields like philosophy, science, and psychology to describe states or effects that arise from a complex system but do not influence the system themselves.

Examples

The warmth produced by the functioning of the engine is considered an epiphenomenon of the engine’s operation.
In studying consciousness, some researchers argue that thoughts and feelings are epiphenomena of brain activity.
The colorful patterns seen in the sky during sunset may be seen as epiphenomena resulting from atmospheric conditions.

Meaning

Epiphenomena refers to the outcomes or effects that occur as a result of a primary cause or event, but do not themselves have a causal relationship with the primary cause.