Explanation

Theories of Explanation

Covering-Law

The orthodoxy for many years: now generally thought to be inadequate.

Causal

The nearest there is to a current orthodoxy.

Unification

The other type of major theory.

Important Authors

Hempel

Lewis

Issues in Explanation

Conceptions of Explanation

What, exactly, are we trying to do when we explain?

Explanatory Pragmatics

How do the particular circumstances in which a why-question was asked affect the right answer?

Functional Explanation

Can we explain something in terms of its purpose, and if so, how?

Probabilistic Explanation

How can we explain things that are inherently chancy?

Relevance Issues

What does it take for something to be relevant to explaining something else?
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Copyright David Chart 1997