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[bisonbison]

repeat after me:

CAUSE and ...

EFFECT

Yeah, that cleared things right up, champ.

Usage Note: Affect and effect have no senses in common. As a verb affect is most commonly used in the sense of “to influence” (how smoking affects health). Effect means “to bring about or execute”: layoffs designed to effect savings. Thus the sentence These measures may affect savings could imply that the measures may reduce savings that have already been realized, whereas These measures may effect savings implies that the measures will cause new savings to come about.

[bwana devil]

go back to jr high english please. "It is a closed causal system." is one sentence and has no bearing on the use affect/effect. the guy used bad punctuation because he just did which is fine--he's typing to a buddy.

the real sentence is "Mental states cannot affect physical states."

[Marnixvdb]

[ QUOTE ]
go back to jr high english please. "It is a closed causal system." is one sentence and has no bearing on the use affect/effect. the guy used bad punctuation because he just did which is fine--he's typing to a buddy.

the real sentence is "Mental states cannot affect physical states."

[/ QUOTE ]

both words to affect/to effect have a different meaning. The 'closed causal system' gives you a context, just as the word 'instantiate', with a similar meaning as 'to effect'. You may be able to use both words, resulting in two sentences with a different meaning, but from the context, it is clear 'Effect' is the only right word to use.

[Stephen Gray]

Sorry, you are wrong. "Mental states cannot influence physical states." is vastly different than "Mental states cannot bring into being, create physical states." The preceding, "it is a closed causal system" is contextual clue that makes clear the meaning of the sentence.

[bisonbison]

The preceding, "it is a closed causal system" is contextual clue that makes clear the meaning of the sentence.

No, the first sentence doesn't resolve any of the ambiguity. Sorry.

"Closed causal system": causation can include creation and influence.

[Grisgra]

[ QUOTE ]
if you're having trouble try putting a synonym in the sentence.

affect = influence
effect = bring into being, create

which one makes more sense? obviously effect. it's funny to hear all the people who not only staunchly defend the wrong answer but call everyone who is right a moron.

final answer = effect

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP

[Jersey Nick]

Here's why the bet is a push.
[ QUOTE ]
But I would not be completely honest with you if I didn't point out a couple of exceptions:

Exception #1: Sometimes effect can do the job of a verb. Aw, hell, sometimes it is a verb. Here's when:

Jonathan, please effect a total makeover of your essay.

In this sentence, "effect" has two special conditions:

1. there is a direct object ("(makeover)")

2. It means bring about, cause to happen.

I love how classy the use of "effect" this way sounds:

Yes, Marjorie, I will effect the changes you require in our relationship.

effect = bring about, "changes"= direct object, so we know using effect this way is OK.

It sounds so much more elegant than, "Yes, Marjorie, I will do what you tell me to do."

[/ QUOTE ]

"mental states cannot effect physical states"

1. there is a direct object: physical states

2. It means bring about, cause to happen.

Bison is right as always - it is poorly written.

[greg nice]

[ QUOTE ]
if you're having trouble try putting a synonym in the sentence.

affect = influence
effect = result

which one makes more sense? obviously affect. it's funny to hear all the people who not only staunchly defend the wrong answer but call everyone who is right a moron.

final answer = affect

[/ QUOTE ]


problem for you and 75% of the others is, you are only aware of one definition for 'effect'. once you realize that youve erred, it is unlikely you will reappear in the thread out of sheer embarassment. life is grand

[bwana devil]

[ QUOTE ]
once you realize that youve erred, it is unlikely you will reappear in the thread out of sheer embarassment.

[/ QUOTE ]

...or boredom. ive made my case. learn from it or don't. your choice.

[bisonbison]

The clear answer is that the sentence is poorly written.

Just say 'create'.