Single Idea 17074

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

Full Idea

An explanation may be bad if it fits only into a bad web of belief. It can also be bad if it fits into a (possibly good) web of belief in a bad sort of way.

Gist of Idea

Explanations are bad by fitting badly with a web of beliefs, or fitting well into a bad web

Source

J.J.C. Smart (Explanation - Opening Address [1990], p.09)

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.9


A Reaction

Nice. If you think someone has an absurd web of beliefs, then it counts against some belief (for you) if it fits beautifully into the other person's belief system. Judgement of coherence comes in at different levels.