Single Idea 16818

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation]

Full Idea

There is a distinction between the explanation best supported by the evidence, and the explanation that would provide the most understanding: in short, between the 'likeliest' and the 'loveliest' explanation.

Gist of Idea

The 'likeliest' explanation is the best supported; the 'loveliest' gives the most understanding

Source

Peter Lipton (Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) [2004], 04 'Spelling')

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.57


A Reaction

A very nice, very real and very illuminating distinction. Presumably truth must play an important role in both likelihood and loveliness.