trace-causal-chain

Purpose

Trace ordered causal chains with intermediate nodes, branches, loops, mechanisms, and boundary conditions.

Input contract

required: [causal_question, evidence_set, chain_granularity]
optional: [candidate_graph, time_order, loop_policy]
constraints: [every edge has a because/mechanism statement]

Procedure

1. Identify start and endpoint variables from the question.
2. Expand intermediate mediators and mechanism links.
3. Mark branches, feedback loops, temporal order, and unsupported edges.
4. Return complete chains with evidence and boundary conditions.

Output contract

produces: [causal_chains, intermediate_nodes, branch_loop_map, evidence_links, boundary_conditions]
delta_fields: [findings, hypothesis_updates, uncertainties]