Single Idea 13058

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / b. Aims of explanation]

Full Idea

There are evidence-seeking why-questions, as well as explanation-seeking why-questions.

Gist of Idea

Why-questions can seek evidence as well as explanation

Source

Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], 3.2)

Book Reference

Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.78


A Reaction

Surely we would all prefer an explanation to mere evidence? It seems to me that they are all explanation-seeking, but that we are grateful for some evidence when no full explanation is available. Explanation renders evidence otiose.