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Full Idea
Objectors to the idea that understanding requires explanation say that understanding is a precondition for explanation, that understanding comes in degrees, that understanding is active, and that it is holistic - all unlike explanations.
Gist of Idea
Understanding is a precondition, comes in degrees, is active, and holistic - unlike explanation
Source
Michael Strevens (No Understanding without Explanation [2011], 4)
A Reaction
He works through these four objections and replies to them, in defence of the thesis in Idea 14365. I agree with Strevens on this.
Related Idea
Idea 14365 Scientific understanding is always the grasping of a correct explanation [Strevens]
| 14365 | Scientific understanding is always the grasping of a correct explanation [Strevens] |
| 14368 | We may 'understand that' the cat is on the mat, but not at all 'understand why' it is there [Strevens] |
| 14369 | Understanding is a precondition, comes in degrees, is active, and holistic - unlike explanation [Strevens] |