Single Idea 17071

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / d. Consilience]

Full Idea

One explanation will be a better explanation that another if it also explains a set of phenomena from a different field ('consilience').

Gist of Idea

An explanation is better if it also explains phenomena from a different field

Source

J.J.C. Smart (Explanation - Opening Address [1990], p.07)

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.7


A Reaction

This would count as 'unexpected accommodation', rather than prediction. It is a nice addition to Lipton's comparison of mere accommodation versus prediction as criteria. It sounds like a strong criterion for a persuasive explanation.