the most immediate and physical means by which something is accomplished. For example, the causal mechanism for opening a door is the turning of the knob and the exertion of pressure on the door. The discovery of a causal mechanism does not resolve questions of causation, as there may well be other latent or remote causes. Nor does the recognition of a causal mechanism imply that the world is inherently mechanical. For example, although a mechanism is required for opening a door, the ultimate cause may be a nonmechanical intention to leave the room. See also mechanical causality; proximate cause.