The foundational theoretical choice is whether phenomena are contingent or inherent.

Evidence

The way to start, surely, is to find the most basic branch point for choice in theorizing. My thesis here can be put in a sentence: in studying collective political violence, the first and most fateful choice lies between regarding it as “contingent” or “inherent” in political life. … At the outset, I propose a broad thesis about basic branch points in building positive theories, regardless of subject. It seems historically true that primary branch points in theoretical inquiry are all alike: all involve a choice between contingency and inherency. Why so I will try to show momentarily. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4264

Categorization

• XREF: The contingency-versus-inherency dichotomy echoes broader philosophy-of-science debates (e.g., contingent vs. necessary processes) and connects to the reader’s interest in root-cause frameworks.