Single Idea 12176

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / b. Ultimate explanation]

Full Idea

I contest the essentialist doctrine that science aims at ultimate explanations, one which cannot be further explained, and which is in no need of any further explanation.

Gist of Idea

Science does not aim at ultimate explanations

Source

Karl Popper (Conjectures and Refutations [1963], 3.3)

Book Reference

Popper,Karl: 'Conjectures and Refutations' [RKP 1965], p.105


A Reaction

If explanations are causal, this seems to a plea for an infinite regress of causes, which is an odd thing to espouse. Are the explanations verbal descriptions or things in the world. There can be no perfect descriptions, but there may be ultimate things.