Description

Book Synopsis

Science aims to describe reality, to predict the future and to supply us with technology. But it also aims to explain and understand the world. What does it take to explain a phenomenon? Why are some explanations better than others? How do explanation and understanding relate to each other?

In this thorough and clearly written introduction, Arnon Levy explores philosophical theories of explanation and understanding which can help answer these questions. Highlighted themes include:

  • What are explanations and what makes some explanations better than others?
  • Empiricism about explanation: Hempel's Deductive-Nomological model and its discontents
  • Causation and Causal theories of explanation: From Lewis, through Woodward to Strevens
  • Explanatory models, the role idealization and abstraction in generating understanding
  • Mechanistic explanation: What is a mechanism? What kind of understanding do mechanistic models supply?
  • Mathematic

Explanation and Understanding

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    A Paperback by Arnon Levy

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      Book details

      Publisher Taylor & Francis
      Published 4 March 2025
      ISBN-13 9781138700444
      978-1138700444
      ISBN-10 1138700444
      Also in:
      Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Science aims to describe reality, to predict the future and to supply us with technology. But it also aims to explain and understand the world. What does it take to explain a phenomenon? Why are some explanations better than others? How do explanation and understanding relate to each other?

      In this thorough and clearly written introduction, Arnon Levy explores philosophical theories of explanation and understanding which can help answer these questions. Highlighted themes include:

      • What are explanations and what makes some explanations better than others?
      • Empiricism about explanation: Hempel's Deductive-Nomological model and its discontents
      • Causation and Causal theories of explanation: From Lewis, through Woodward to Strevens
      • Explanatory models, the role idealization and abstraction in generating understanding
      • Mechanistic explanation: What is a mechanism? What kind of understanding do mechanistic models supply?
      • Mathematic

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