Single Idea 13597

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

Full Idea

An acceptable explanation must have some unifying power.

Gist of Idea

Good explanations unify

Source

Brian Ellis (Scientific Essentialism [2001], 3.11)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'Scientific Essentialism' [CUP 2007], p.132


A Reaction

There is a tension here, between the particular and the general. If I say 'why did the building collapse' and you say 'gravity', you have certainly got a unifying explanation, but we want something narrower.