Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

epiphenomenon

noun

/ˌɛpɪˈfɛnəmən/

Definition

A secondary effect or byproduct that arises from but does not causally influence a process.

Examples

Many scientists argue that consciousness is merely an epiphenomenon of brain activity.
The colorful patterns on the surface of the soap bubble are an epiphenomenon of the physics underlying its surface tension.
In some discussions, emotions are seen as epiphenomena resulting from cognitive processes rather than direct causes of behavior.

Meaning

An epiphenomenon refers to a phenomenon that occurs alongside or as a result of another phenomenon, but does not affect it. It is often used in philosophical and scientific contexts to describe events that are related but do not have a direct influence on one another.