more from Stathis Psillos

Single Idea 4807

[catalogued under 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 4. Prediction]

Full Idea

There can be predictions without explanations, as when a barometer successfully predicts storms, but on its own it does not explain them.

Gist of Idea

A good barometer will predict a storm, but not explain it

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], §8.8)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.236


A Reaction

Actually, barometers contribute to explanations. A reasonable predictor might offer no explanation ('if he's out, she's probably out too'), but an infallible predictor is almost certain to involve causation, which helps a lot in explanation.