One of my “Twelve Problems” is the definition of causation (or the closely related question: What is causality?).
I don’t think it’s an uncommon problem. It’s one I have run up against frequently as an engineer, as a physicist, as a physician, and, more recently, as a student of philosophy of mind, so I suspect it’s ubiquitous.
I also don’t think, for me at least, understanding has much practical value. For example, even if I had a precise definition (or definitions) of causation in any one field—and was able to articulate it to the world at large—I doubt anyone would care. Let’s face it, in the day-to-day grind of technology corporations or healthcare institutions, there isn’t a lot of curiosity or interest in fundamental questions like this!
But that’s OK because in my intellectual heart (the odd word phrasing I’m using here is intentional) I know even making a dent in the question of causality and causation would bring me great joy.