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Single Idea 16542

[from 'What is the Source of Knowledge of Modal Truths?' by E.J. Lowe, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 8. Essence as Explanatory ]

Full Idea

Explanation is a multifaceted one, with many species (logical, mathematical, causal, teleological, and psychological), ..so it is not a notion fit to be appealed to in order to frame a perspicuous account of essence. That is one species of explanation.

Gist of Idea

Explanation can't give an account of essence, because it is too multi-faceted

Source

E.J. Lowe (What is the Source of Knowledge of Modal Truths? [2013], 6)

Book Reference

-: 'Mind' [-], p.20


A Reaction

This directly attacks the core of my thesis! His parenthetical list does not give types of explanation. If I say this explanation is 'psychological', that says nothing about what explanation is. All of his instances could rest on essences.

Related Idea

Idea 16540 Defining an ellipse by conic sections reveals necessities, but not the essence of an ellipse [Lowe]