Single Idea 13064

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / a. Types of explanation]

Full Idea

There are three basic conceptions of scientific explanation - modal, epistemic, and ontic - which can be discerned in Aristotle, and that have persisted down the ages.

Gist of Idea

The three basic conceptions of scientific explanation are modal, epistemic, and ontic

Source

Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], 4.1)

Book Reference

Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.121