Science's function is to reveal such correlations between events in the external world. None of these mere correlations establishes exact causal relationships, as logic undermines the idea that the senses can determine which causes result in specific effects in the external world. There is no way to completely demonstrate, for instance, that an object falling into water is the cause of ripples, and yet it is easy to demonstrate a chronological connection. All that is required to confirm a connection is repeatable observation.
The possibility of repetition is vital, as consistent, repeated observations can directly show that one event routinely follows another. Many correlations are firm enough to serve as the basis for predictions about what seems likely to happen in the future, as long as the predictions are not regarded as absolute certainties. This is because there is no guarantee that the correlations will persist, much less that the right causes and effects have been matched together by observers. As with many issues, the truth is more nuanced than most are willing to acknowledge!
Correlation is not necessarily causation, and yet this fact does not leave us with complete ignorance about relationship between one event and another. Discovering correlative relationships is a simple matter. Unless scientific laws were to spontaneously change--a completely legitimate possibility--consistent correlations even justify expectations about future events. At the same time, belief that correlations will remain constant in the future remains irrational.
[1]. https://thechristianrationalist.blogspot.com/2017/07/dreams-and-consciousness.html
[2]. https://thechristianrationalist.blogspot.com/2017/09/explaining-free-will.html
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