Single Idea 17090

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / a. Types of explanation]

Full Idea

Typically, full explanations are not arguments, but singular sentences, or conjunctions thereof.

Gist of Idea

Most explanations are just sentences, not arguments

Source

David-Hillel Ruben (Explaining Explanation [1990], Ch 6)

Book Reference

Ruben,David-Hillel: 'Explaining Explanation' [Routledge 1990], p.197


A Reaction

This is mainly objecting to the claim that explanations are deductions from laws and facts. I agree with Ruben. Explanations are just information, I think. Of course, Aristotle's demonstrations are arguments.