Full Idea
In explaining a phenomenon one can cite the causes of that phenomenon; or one can set the phenomenon in a general theoretical framework.
Gist of Idea
Two main types of explanation are by causes, or by citing a theoretical framework
Source
Nancy Cartwright (How the Laws of Physics Lie [1983], 4.1)
Book Reference
Cartwright,Nancy: 'How the Laws of Physics Lie' [OUP 2002], p.75
A Reaction
The thing is, you need to root an explanation in something taken as basic, and theoretical frameworks need further explanation, whereas causes seem to be basic.