Single Idea 14913

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

Full Idea

Theoretical explanation is the derivation of the properties of a relatively concrete and observable phenomenon by means of an embedding into some larger, relatively abstract and unobservable theoretical structure.

Gist of Idea

We explain by deriving the properties of a phenomenon by embedding it in a large abstract theory

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 2.1.1)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.71


A Reaction

[they are citing Michael Friedman 1981 p.1] This sounds like covering law explanation, but the theoretical structure will be a set of intersecting laws, rather than a single law. How do you explain the theoretical structure?