Full Idea
There is a distinction between the explanation best supported by the evidence, and the explanation that would provide the most understanding: in short, between the 'likeliest' and the 'loveliest' explanation.
Gist of Idea
The 'likeliest' explanation is the best supported; the 'loveliest' gives the most understanding
Source
Peter Lipton (Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) [2004], 04 'Spelling')
Book Reference
Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.57
A Reaction
A very nice, very real and very illuminating distinction. Presumably truth must play an important role in both likelihood and loveliness.