Definition of "epiphenomenon" [epiphenomenon]

• A secondary phenomenon that results from and accompanies another: "Exploitation of one social class or ethnic group by another [is] an epiphenomenon of real differences in power between social groups” ( Harper's). (noun)
• Pathology An additional condition or symptom in the course of a disease, not necessarily connected with the disease. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Global equilibrium and order at each level of a CAS emerges as what systems theorists call an "epiphenomenon" -- organization that is not predictable from knowing only the rules of the next lower level."
• "This is closely related to the epiphenominalism theory of mind that it is an evolutionary accident emerging from the increasing complexity of brains as an "epiphenomenon" or side effect of neural complexity."
• "If consciousness were a mere "epiphenomenon," having no "use" to the organism, it would soon perish (if it ever appeared) according to the law which says that all useless functions perish."