Single Idea 13066

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 4. Explanation Doubts / a. Explanation as pragmatic]

Full Idea

On van Fraassen's theory an explanation is simply an answer to a why-question; it is nothing other than descriptive information that, in a given context, answers a particular type of question.

Gist of Idea

An explanation is just descriptive information answering a particular question

Source

report of Bas C. van Fraassen (The Scientific Image [1980]) by Wesley Salmon - Four Decades of Scientific Explanation 4.3

Book Reference

Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.131


A Reaction

Presumably we would need some sort of criterion for a 'good' explanation, and it seems to me that a very good explanation might be given which was nevertheless beyond the grasp of the questioner.