Single Idea 16853

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation]

Full Idea

Explanatory considerations can play a role in the generation of potential explanations as well as in the subsequent selection from among them.

Gist of Idea

We select possible explanations for explanatory reasons, as well as choosing among them

Source

Peter Lipton (Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd) [2004], 09 'The two-stage')

Book Reference

Lipton,Peter: 'Inference to the Best Explanation (2nd ed)' [Routledge 2004], p.150


A Reaction

Lipton offers this to meet an obvious objection to Inference to the Best Explanation - that compiling the possible explanations seems to need guidance. Seems a good reply.