back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 4637

[from 'The Philosopher's Toolkit' by J Baggini / PS Fosl, in 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation ]

Full Idea

The only way to be sure we have the best explanation is to investigate the alternatives and see if they are any better.

Gist of Idea

To see if an explanation is the best, it is necessary to investigate the alternative explanations

Source

J Baggini / PS Fosl (The Philosopher's Toolkit [2003], §3.01)

Book Reference

Baggini,J and Fosl,P.S.: 'The Philosopher's Toolkit' [Blackwells 2003], p.66


A Reaction

Unavoidable! Since I love 'best explanation', I now seem to be committed to investigation every mad theory that comes up, just in case it is better. I hope I am allowed to reject after a very quick sniff.