Causal System Definition

A causal system is one whose output at some current time $ t_0 $ only depends on some input, $ x(t) $, at the current $ t_0 $ or a $ t $ in the past, never from $ x(t) $ at a future $ t $.

Non-Causal System Definition

A non-causal system is one whose output at some time $ t_0 $ depends on future inputs as well as possibly past or current inputs.

EDIT: Added $ t_0 $ per discussion suggestions.

Alumni Liaison

Abstract algebra continues the conceptual developments of linear algebra, on an even grander scale.

Dr. Paul Garrett