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14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / j. Explanations by reduction

[explaining by reveal grounding or foundations]

14 ideas
We observe qualities, and use 'induction' to refer to the substances lying under them [Gassendi]
Science is the reduction of diverse forces and powers to a smaller number that explain them [Kant]
We have a passion for knowing the parts of something, rather than the whole [James]
You can only explain the qualities of large objects using entities which lack those qualities [Heisenberg]
Six reduction levels: groups, lives, cells, molecules, atoms, particles [Putnam/Oppenheim, by Watson]
Scientific explanation tends to reduce things to the unfamiliar (not the familiar) [Smart]
Solidity comes from the power of repulsion, and shape from the power of attraction [Harré/Madden]
We can explain by showing constitution, as well as showing causes [Stanford]
Reducing one science to another is often said to be the perfect explanation [Ruben]
Reductive explanation is not the be-all and the end-all of explanation [Chalmers]
One form of explanation is by decomposition [Heil]
Grounding is an explanation of truth, and needs all the virtues of good explanations [Fine,K]
Best explanations, especially natural ones, need grounding, notably by persistent objects [Haslanger]
Explanatory reduction is stronger than ontological reduction [Hanna]