Full Idea
I reject the view that scientific explanation involves reduction of the unfamiliar to the familiar.
Gist of Idea
Scientific explanation is not reducing the unfamiliar to the familiar
Source
Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], Pref)
Book Reference
Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.-3
A Reaction
Aristotle sometimes seems to imply this account of explanation, and I would have to agree with Salmon's view of it. Aristotle is also, though, aware of real explanations, definitions and essences. People are 'familiar' with some peculiar things.