Full Idea
Functional explanations are peculiar because the thing to be explained (the explanandum) is prior in time to the thing that explains it (the explanans). In evolution the speed of cheetahs is explained by their resulting reproductive success.
Gist of Idea
Functional explanations occur after that thing to be explained
Source
Jaime Edwards/Brian Leiter (Marx [2025], 2.4)
A Reaction
I'm a fan of functional explanations(for the existence of eyes and ears, for example), but this pinpoints a standard objection (from those who think there are only causal explanations). My trip to London is explained by the concert I attend.
Book Reference
Edwards,J/Leiter,B: 'Marx' [Routledge 2025], p.40