Technical term in philosophy and biology, contrasted with 究極要因 (ultimate cause). Refers to the immediate mechanism or trigger of an event, as opposed to the deeper evolutionary or fundamental reason.
See also: 究極要因
The distinction between proximate cause and ultimate cause is important in biology.
The proximate cause of this behavior is hunger, but the ultimate cause is the survival instinct.
Ultimate cause; the deeper evolutionary or fundamental reason, contrasted with 至近要因 (proximate cause).
Compound of 至近 (proximate, immediate) and 要因 (cause, factor). A calque of the English term 'proximate cause' used in philosophy and biology.