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further question why this is so and put forth an explanation: "The reason the cat has fleas is that the weather has been damp." The difference is that the attempt is not to settle whether or not some claim is true, but to show why it is true. In this sense, arguments aim to contribute knowledge, whereas explanations aim to contribute understanding.
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However, the tendency in much of the recent philosophical literature has been to assume that there is a substantial continuity between the sorts of explanations found in science and at least some forms of explanation found in more ordinary non-scientific contexts, with the latter embodying in a more
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The difference between explanations and arguments reflects a difference in the kind of question that arises. In the case of arguments, we start from a doubted fact, which we try to support by arguments. In the case of explanations, we start with an accepted fact, the question being why is this fact
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The recent discussions presuppose that science offers explanations (rather than “mere description”) and that the task of a “theory” or “model” of scientific explanation is to outline the structure of such explanations. It is thus assumed that there is a single kind or form of explanation that is
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For instance, if Fred and Joe address the issue of whether or not Fred's cat has fleas, Joe may state: "Fred, your cat has fleas. Observe the cat is scratching right now." Joe has made an argument that the cat has fleas. However, if Fred and Joe agree on the fact that the cat has fleas, they may
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Explanations of human behaviour usually rely to the subject’s beliefs , desires and other relevant facts. They operate under the assumption that the behaviour in question is rational to some extent. Thus an explanation of why the subject removed his coat might cite the fact that he felt hot and
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is true. Justification may be understood as the explanation as to why a belief is a true one or an account of how one knows what one knows. It is important to be aware when an explanation is not a justification. One may give a detailed and believable account on something without giving a single
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of explanation. These were thought, since even more ancient times, to be universal and unique 'kinds' of explanation that comprise all ways of explaining something. However, there is much confusion about their precise definition and how they relate to each other. Types of explanation involve
110:“scientific”. In fact, the notion of “scientific explanation” suggests a contrast between those "explanations", that are characterstics of "science" and those which are outside the science, and second a contrast between "explanation" and something else.
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or less inchoate way features that are present in a more detailed, precise, rigorous etc. form in the former. It is further assumed that it is the task of a theory of explanation to capture what is common to both scientific and at least some more ordinary forms of explanation.
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explanation, involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization from which it may be derived in a deductive argument. For example,“All gases expand when heated; this gas was heated; therefore, this gas
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Explanation, in philosophy, is a set of statements that renders understandable the existence or occurrence of an object, event, or state of affairs. Among its most common forms are:
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There are many and varied events, objects, and facts which require explanation. So too, there are many different things that can be used to explain something.
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or not Fred's cat has fleas, Joe may state: "Fred, your cat has fleas. Observe the cat is scratching right now." Joe has made an
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the cat has fleas. However, if Fred and Joe agree on the fact that the cat has fleas, they may further question
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While arguments attempt to show that something is, will be, or should be the case, explanations try to show
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People often are not themselves clear on whether they are arguing for or explaining something.
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The same types of words and phrases are used in presenting explanations and arguments.
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The terms 'explain' or 'explanation,' et cetera are frequently used in arguments.
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Explanations are often used within arguments and presented so as to serve
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something is or will be. If Fred and Joe address the issue of
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Arguments and explanations largely resemble each other in
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The term explanation is sometimes used in the context of
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or what caused it. The answer here is the explanation.
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A notable theory of scientific explanation is Hempel's
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