Single Idea 4193

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / d. Explaining people]

Full Idea

There are some entities which exist in time and space (such as persons or social groups) of which the behaviour seems to be subject to rational rather than merely causal explanation.

Gist of Idea

The behaviour of persons and social groups seems to need rational rather than causal explanation

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.2)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.2


A Reaction

This begs of the question of whether 'rational' can be reduced to causal. We can't manage causal explanations of the very complex, so we use broad-brush second-best explanations?