Single Idea 17065

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / c. Explanations by coherence]

Full Idea

2: If a set of propositions explains a further proposition, then each proposition in the set coheres with that proposition, and propositions in the set cohere pairwise with one another.

Gist of Idea

2: An explanation must wholly cohere internally, and with the new fact

Source

report of Paul Thagard (Explanatory Coherence [1989], 2) by J.J.C. Smart - Explanation - Opening Address p.04

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.4