The Difference between Cause and Motivation in human behavior and character?

Answer 1

Cause and effect might seem easier to prove objectively than motivation.

The caveat is that there are many possible environmental influences and many possible personal characteristics which may work in unison with an objective cause in impacting a person's behavior. So, during jury trials, much emphasis is placed on material evidence (weapons, blood, scars & bruises indicating abuse) and on documented previous behavior

which may indicate that that person tends to act in a particular characteristic pattern.

Motivation seems more speculative, and therefore more subjective. But it carries tremendous weight in our legal system. Monetary gain, and revenge, are frequently sited as motives. The caveat is that monetary gain and revenge would not carry the same motivational strength for all persons. There are some aesthetes for who monetary gain and revenge could be more repellent than motivational.

In summary, I believe that Cause as a concept has more to do with compulsion--with compelling someone to do something, possibly even against his/her wellbeing.

Motivation, in contrast, provides some sort of perceived gain to the person.

Behavior is an series of interactions with persons, things, environment, and possibly one's own character. Behavior lends itself to change. Character is something that is partly innate, and partly the result of one's behavior over a span of time.

For more philosophical discussion along these lines, you could contact julieannashcraft@Yahoo.com