What does "cum hoc ergo propter hoc" suggest about event relationships?

The phrase "cum hoc ergo propter hoc," which translates to "with this, therefore because of this," suggests a false assumption regarding causation based on correlation. It posits that if two events occur together, one must cause the other. This reasoning is flawed because it ignores other potential factors that might influence both events or the possibility that the observed correlation is coincidental rather than causal.

The correct understanding is that while two events may happen simultaneously, it does not follow that one event causes the other, highlighting a critical misunderstanding in reasoning about relationships between events. This approach often leads to erroneous conclusions in arguments, particularly in debates and discussions that rely heavily on observational evidence without rigorous causal analysis.