Single Idea 17069

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / c. Explanations by coherence]

Full Idea

6: Acceptability of a proposition in a system depends on its coherence with the propositions in that system.

Gist of Idea

6: A proposition's acceptability depends on its coherence with a system

Source

report of Paul Thagard (Explanatory Coherence [1989], 6) by J.J.C. Smart - Explanation - Opening Address p.04

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.4


A Reaction

Thagard tried to build an AI system for coherent explanations, but I would say he has no chance with these six axioms, because they never grasp the nettle of what 'coherence' means. You first need rules for how things relate. What things are comparable?