Single Idea 13046

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / b. Aims of explanation]

Full Idea

I reject the view that scientific explanation involves reduction of the unfamiliar to the familiar.

Gist of Idea

Scientific explanation is not reducing the unfamiliar to the familiar

Source

Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], Pref)

Book Reference

Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.-3


A Reaction

Aristotle sometimes seems to imply this account of explanation, and I would have to agree with Salmon's view of it. Aristotle is also, though, aware of real explanations, definitions and essences. People are 'familiar' with some peculiar things.