Single Idea 14569

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / e. Lawlike explanations]

Full Idea

It is tempting to think that entailment is the only adequate kind of explanation because of the idea that if A does not entail B, it must have fallen short of (fully) explaining it.

Gist of Idea

It is tempting to think that only entailment provides a full explanation

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 6.5)

Book Reference

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.138


A Reaction

Yes. One might dream of saying 'this, and only this, necessitates what happened', but it is doubtful whether causes necessitate effects. It is a quirky view to think that every car accident is necessitated. Nuclear explosions block most events.

Related Idea

Idea 14546 Necessary causation should survive antecedent strengthening, but no cause can always survive that [Mumford/Anjum]