How can of the phrase "circumstantial consequence" be explained? I vaguely understand the probable meaning, but it doesn't quite come into focus.
Is it something like (unintended) side effect?
Learn English – What does “circumstantial consequence” mean
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Best Answer
From a social science / behavioral science point of view, it makes me think of "natural consequences."
For example: I am choosing to take time to attempt to answer this question. Later, I may find that I do not have enough time to complete other tasks which then result in an undesirable outcome. This would be a natural consequence for not remaining focused on my pressing tasks. The existence of this post/answer is not so much the cause of the consequence, but me being distracted and spending longer meandering this website is the cause.
In Terms of circumstance, the cause of the consequence can be expanded even further. Such as, I have ADD (i.e., inattentive attention, easily distractible, interruptions or breaks in concentration) which add to the circumstances. Further, my dog is barking and needs some attention, let say that I provide my dog with attention, then I recive an important phone call that requires immediate action; this (or the circumstances) all take more time away from completing my tasks for the day and adds more time it takes me to be able to get back on task. If the circumstances were not present, I likely would have finished my tasks for the day and had a desirable outcome.