##  [Counterfactual Reasoning](/index.php/counterfactual-reasoning) 

  ##  [Counterfactual Reasoning](https://humanitites.quantumdictionary.io/counterfactual-reasoning-0) 

  

 [![Humanities & Arts Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Humanities%20%26%20Arts.png.webp?itok=4SMNHqFS)](/index.php/topic-specific-dictionaries/humanities-arts)



**Humanities & Arts Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A mode of reasoning that evaluates how outcomes would differ if antecedent conditions were different, typically by considering alternative hypothetical scenarios (counterfactuals) and selecting those closest to the actual situation according to specified similarity or causal criteria; it is used to analyze causation, explanation, and decision alternatives.