Causal theories of explanation and the challenge of explanatory disagreement
Author
Jansson, Lina
Date of Issue
2014School
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Version
Published version
Abstract
When evaluating the success of causal theories of explanation the focus has typically been on the legitimacy of causal relations and on putative examples of explanations that we cannot capture in causal terms. Here I motivate the existence of a third kind of problem: the difficulty of accounting for explanatory disputes. Moreover, I argue that this problem remains even if the first two are settled and that it threatens to undercut one of the central motivations for causal accounts of explanation, namely, the causal account of the directionality of scientific explanation.
Subject
DRNTU::Humanities::Philosophy
Type
Journal Article
Series/Journal Title
Philosophy of science
Rights
© 2014 Philosophy of Science Association. This paper was published in Philosophy of Science and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of Philosophy of Science Association. The paper can be found at the following official DOI: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/676687]. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Collections
http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/676687
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