[pct-l] Man dies from rattlesnake bite in East San Diego County

[Edward Anderson]

excellent post!

MendoRider




________________________________
From: Ken Murray <kmurray at pol.net>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Sun, October 17, 2010 9:19:54 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Man dies from rattlesnake bite in East San Diego County

The issue of causation is probably something that people don't often consider, 
when someone dies.  It can get complicated.

For example, in the encounter with the snake, if as a result of encountering the 
snake, the fellow dropped dead...BUT WAS NOT BITTEN BY THE SNAKE, was he killed 
by the snake??

Frequently, with sudden death, a sudden suprise may give a huge surge of 
adrenaline which can push the weak heart over the edge, probably an abnormal 
rhythm.

Now one that will really mess with you.  If the man had been suddenly and 
unexpectly been introduced to his new grandson, and dropped dead, was he killed 
by his grandson (without being bitten)?

THAT is why an accurate understanding of a person's death is worth considering, 
so we don't start eradicating grandsons.

"Post hoc ergo propter hoc"  is the logical fallacy involved.  "After it, 
therefore because of it"--which is generally NOT true.
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