Single Idea 16861

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

Full Idea

It can hardly be supposed that a false theory would explain, in so satisfactory a manner as does the theory of natural selection, the several large classes of facts above specified.

Gist of Idea

A false theory could hardly rival the explanatory power of natural selection

Source

Charles Darwin (The Origin of the Species [1859], p.476), quoted by Peter Lipton - Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) 11 'The scientific'

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.206


A Reaction

More needs to be said, since the whims of God could explain absolutely everything (in a manner that would be somehow less that fully satisfying to the enquiring intellect).

Related Ideas

Idea 3804 Darwin's idea was the best idea ever [Dennett]

Idea 14915 The theory of evolution was accepted because it explained, not because of its predictions [Ladyman/Ross]