Scientific explanation
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Scientific explanation | |
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| Type | Explanatory practice |
| Field | Philosophy of science |
| Core idea | Account that explains phenomena using scientific theories, models, and evidence |
| Assumptions | Phenomena are law-governed or structured; explanation can increase understanding |
| Status | Established but contested |
| Related | Explanation; Theory; Model; Causation |
Scientific explanation is a form of explanation that accounts for phenomena using the methods, theories, and standards of the sciences. Scientific explanations aim to show why or how phenomena occur by situating them within broader theoretical, causal, or structural frameworks.
The analysis of scientific explanation is a central topic in the philosophy of science and intersects with debates about causation, understanding, and realism.
Core idea
At its core, scientific explanation seeks to render phenomena intelligible by relating them to general principles, mechanisms, or patterns identified through scientific inquiry.
Scientific explanation is not limited to description or prediction; it aims to show how phenomena depend on underlying factors.
Explanation and science
Scientific explanations differ from everyday explanations in their reliance on systematic methods, public evidence, and theoretical frameworks. They are constrained by empirical testing and subject to revision.
What counts as an acceptable explanation varies across scientific domains.
Law-based explanation
One influential approach treats scientific explanation as subsumption under general laws. On this view, a phenomenon is explained by showing that it follows from laws together with specific conditions.
This approach emphasizes generality and predictability.
Causal explanation
Many scientific explanations are causal, identifying factors that bring about or contribute to phenomena. Causal explanations trace chains or networks of dependence across time or structure.
Causal explanation is especially prominent in the natural and social sciences.
Mechanistic explanation
Mechanistic explanations describe how entities and processes interact to produce a phenomenon. They focus on organization, components, and interactions rather than abstract laws alone.
This approach is common in biology, neuroscience, and engineering.
Statistical explanation
In contexts involving variability, scientific explanations may be statistical. These explanations account for phenomena in terms of probabilities or distributions rather than deterministic outcomes.
Statistical explanation does not eliminate uncertainty but characterizes it.
Models and explanation
Models play a central role in scientific explanation. By simplifying or idealizing systems, models can reveal explanatory patterns even when they are not fully accurate.
This raises questions about how explanation relates to truth and realism.
Explanation and understanding
Scientific explanation is often linked to understanding. A successful explanation typically increases understanding by revealing dependencies or structures.
However, explanation and understanding are not identical; one may occur without the other.
Explanation and realism
Debates about scientific explanation intersect with disputes between scientific realism and anti-realism. Realists often argue that explanatory success supports belief in underlying structures, while anti-realists interpret explanation pragmatically.
The explanatory role of theories is therefore philosophically significant.
Limits of explanation
Not all scientific explanations are complete. Explanations may be partial, domain-specific, or provisional.
Some phenomena resist explanation due to complexity, lack of data, or theoretical limits.
Evaluation of explanations
Scientific explanations are evaluated using multiple criteria, including explanatory scope, coherence with evidence, simplicity, and integration with other explanations.
No single criterion determines explanatory adequacy in all cases.
Status
Scientific explanation is an established but philosophically rich concept. Its analysis clarifies how science makes phenomena intelligible and how explanation differs across disciplines and contexts.