Single Idea 14369

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 2. Understanding]

Full Idea

Objectors to the idea that understanding requires explanation say that understanding is a precondition for explanation, that understanding comes in degrees, that understanding is active, and that it is holistic - all unlike explanations.

Gist of Idea

Understanding is a precondition, comes in degrees, is active, and holistic - unlike explanation

Source

Michael Strevens (No Understanding without Explanation [2011], 4)


A Reaction

He works through these four objections and replies to them, in defence of the thesis in Idea 14365. I agree with Strevens on this.

Related Idea

Idea 14365 Scientific understanding is always the grasping of a correct explanation [Strevens]