Uncovering causality is the first step in the Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) method, meant to uncover the causes of known issues, facts and assumptions about the present. It looks at the (social) causes, underlying worldviews, myths and metaphors that underpin the current version of reality. This technique is often used in conjunction with Discovering Alternatives. CLA was developed by Sohail Inayatullah.

A minimal spatial setup for this technique requires a semi-circle of chairs facing a large vertical writing surface (black/whiteboard, large piece of paper…). Depending on the size of the group, you might need to have break-out discussions as well.

• Step 1: Frame the exercise, explain the gradual movement down the 'causal layers' and the goal of the exercise. Let the participants know that you will ask questions to guide the discussions.

• Step 2: Begin the discussion by explaining the first layer: Litany, the visible layer of reality, dominated and shaped by media. Ask something like the following questions: What is the issue? How is this issue being reported in the media? What might a newspaper headline about this issue look like? What are the known facts and reported data about this issue? What are the current events related to the issue? What is widely believed and not questioned?

• Step 3: When the issue(s) is/are clearly formulated, move to the next layer: (Social) Causes where the issue is analysed based on economic, social, cultural, political and environmental factors. Invite the participants to examine How and why did the issue arise? What factors are influencing the issue? Who is involved? What are the underlying causes? Note down summaries of the answers and cluster them thematically.

• Step 4: The next layer to examine is called Discourse/Worldview, that includes the (hidden) social, cultural and even linguistic structures that remain unquestioned by the analysis in the previous layer. This layer looks at cultural values behind the 'powers' that perpetuate the Litany. What are the (hidden) assumptions behind the issue(s)? Who are the stakeholders? What values do they have? Who has the most control over the issue? What are their dominant worldviews or ideologies? Cluster the discussions into a few dominant worldviews.

• Step 5: The deepest layer is one of Myth and Metaphor, including collective archetypes, emotional dimensions underlyin