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 has been developed by Sohail Inayatullah in the 1990s, based on the work of Richard Slaughter.

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 underlying the worldviews. Discussion about this layer can take different formats, from a simple conversation, to working more visually (e.g. using moodboards. However you decide to facilitate this step, the questions are similar: What images arise in your mind when you look at the information we uncovered? Is there an existing work of of art (in any form) that encapsulates the feelings in which this worldview and the issue is grounded? Are there any myths or folk-stories that come to mind?

• Step 6: Invite the participants to reflect on the layered reality they uncovered, ask if there is anything missing, and what their emotional and rational reactions are.

Note: if you are doing a futuring exercise in which you look at how a present condition might be changed, you can continue with Discovering Alternatives.

• Scenarios for sustainability
• Causal Layered Analysis: Poststructuralism as a method
• CLA Reader