Single Idea 14324

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 4. Explanation Doubts / a. Explanation as pragmatic]

Full Idea

Nothing about ontology is at stake in questions of explanation, for explanatory success is contingent upon the modes of presentation of explanans and explananda, and relative states of knowledge and ignorance.

Gist of Idea

Ontology is unrelated to explanation, which concerns modes of presentation and states of knowledge

Source

Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 06.8)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.140


A Reaction

There are real facts about the immediate and unusual causes which immediately precede an event, and these might be candidates for a real explanation. There are also real mechanisms and powers which dictate a things behaviour.