more from Gideon Rosen

Single Idea 14096

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / K. Features of Logics / 10. Monotonicity]

Full Idea

The failure of monotonicity is a general feature of explanatory relations.

Clarification

In 'monotonic' logics, what is proved stays proved

Gist of Idea

Explanations fail to be monotonic

Source

Gideon Rosen (Metaphysical Dependence [2010], 05)

Book Reference

'Modality', ed/tr. Hale,B/Hoffman,A [OUP 2010], p.116


A Reaction

In other words, explanations can always shift in the light of new evidence. In principle this is right, but some explanations just seem permanent, like plate-tectonics as explanation for earthquakes.