Single Idea 18721

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / b. Aims of explanation]

Full Idea

For us explanation and understanding are the same, understanding being the correlate of explanation.

Gist of Idea

Explanation and understanding are the same

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Lectures 1930-32 (student notes) [1931], B XI.2)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Lectures in Cambridge 1930-32', ed/tr. Lee,Desmond [Blackwell 1980], p.51


A Reaction

I'm not convinced that they are 'the same', but they are almost interdependent ideas. Strevens has a nice paper on this.

Related Idea

Idea 14365 Scientific understanding is always the grasping of a correct explanation [Strevens]