1 definition by dahlek
A fact that a bunch of other stuff hinges upon. If true, it makes lots of causally related stuff likely true and if not true, then related stuff is likely false. For example, the fact that the climate is getting warmer is a contingent factor for global warming, or the fact that the world is actually getting better, and is better than it ever has been (see Stephen Pinker, "The Better Angels of our Nature"), even though it feels day to day like a stinking pile of diseased flabby fat rolls, is a continent factor that global trade is not evil.
Being caught red handed creeping with the girl next door is a contingent factor that you cheated; it was you.
by dahlek May 23, 2017