Single Idea 12669

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 2. Aim of Science]

Full Idea

The primary aim of science is to explain what happens, not just to describe it.

Gist of Idea

Science aims to explain things, not just describe them

Source

Brian Ellis (The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism [2009], 2)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism' [Acument 2009], p.25


A Reaction

This I take to be a good motto for scientific essentialism. Any scientist who is happy with anything less than explanation is a mere journeyman, a servant in the kitchens of the great house of science.