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Single Idea 17491

[filed under theme 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism ]

Full Idea

One of the advantages of the move from nomological to mechanistic modes of explanation is that the latter allows for explanations involving exception-ridden generalizations.

Clarification

'Nomological' means lawlike

Gist of Idea

Unlike the lawlike approach, mechanistic explanation can allow for exceptions

Source

Stuart Glennan (Mechanisms [2008], 'regular')

Book Ref

'Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Science', ed/tr. Psillos,S/Curd,M [Routledge 2010], p.378


A Reaction

The lawlike approach has endless problems with 'ceteris paribus' ('all things being equal') laws, where specifying all the other 'things' seems a bit tricky.


The 7 ideas from Stuart Glennan

Since causal events are related by mechanisms, causation can be analysed in that way [Glennan]
Modern mechanism need parts with spatial, temporal and function facts, and diagrams [Glennan]
Mechanistic philosophy of science is an alternative to the empiricist law-based tradition [Glennan]
Mechanisms are either systems of parts or sequences of activities [Glennan]
17th century mechanists explained everything by the kinetic physical fundamentals [Glennan]
Empiricist theories are sets of laws, which give explanations and reductions [Glennan]
Unlike the lawlike approach, mechanistic explanation can allow for exceptions [Glennan]