Full Idea
There are evidence-seeking why-questions, as well as explanation-seeking why-questions.
Gist of Idea
Why-questions can seek evidence as well as explanation
Source
Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], 3.2)
Book Reference
Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.78
A Reaction
Surely we would all prefer an explanation to mere evidence? It seems to me that they are all explanation-seeking, but that we are grateful for some evidence when no full explanation is available. Explanation renders evidence otiose.