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Approximative Explanation
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2022
Extract
Sometimes, when an explanandum E is a quantitative claim, we are unable to explain why the specific numerical value mentioned in E is correct. Sometimes an explanans X is available, however, which accounts for a statement E' asserting a value close to that mentioned in E. Although X strictly speaking provides evidence against E, it is in some circumstances seen as approximatively explaining E along with E'. Such an approximative explanation may be defined as follows:
A set of statements X constitutes an approximative explanans for an explanandum E iff (i) there exists a statement E' such that X adequately explains E', and (ii) E' approximates E.
Explanans X is linked to the desired explanandum E only indirectly, by means of E's closeness to E'. Hence, a special problem arises about the conditions under which such an approximative explanation is really acceptable.
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- Part V. Explanation
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- Copyright © 1978 by the Philosophy of Science Association
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