Single Idea 4806

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / g. Causal explanations]

Full Idea

Knocking over an ink bottle explains the stain on the carpet, and it is not in doubt because you cannot quote the laws involved; a 'causal story' can give a complete explanation without a law.

Gist of Idea

An explanation can just be a 'causal story', without laws, as when I knock over some ink

Source

Stathis Psillos (Causation and Explanation [2002], §8.6)

Book Reference

Psillos,Stathis: 'Causation and Explanation' [Acumen 2002], p.231


A Reaction

But why is he so clumsy, and the bottle so unstable? Was it really (Freudian) an 'accident'? There is no end to complete explanation. But 'I was clumsy this once' and 'I am always clumsy' are equally good explanations.