What is an explanation? Are there many models of explanation or just one? What constitutes a good scientific theory? 3:30 Aristotle's four causes 19:55 Quick summary of four causes 33:25 Hempel's picture of what scientific explanation must do 34:30 Deductive-Nomological explanations: Deduction from laws. Given certain laws and certain conditions, we can explain something as necessary. 39:03 Probabilistic explanations: The probability of condition A is high. Condition A. Therefore, condition A. Not guaranteed, only probable. 50:30 Asymmetry problem with DN explanations.
Why are buildings so flat in Washington DC with no high rises and tall buildings? Tall buildings cast long shadows. The entire city was planned to avoid overshadowing historical places such as 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington Monument...
Great stuff Dr. Sanders, thank you for posting . . .
What is an explanation? Are there many models of explanation or just one? What constitutes a good scientific theory?
3:30 Aristotle's four causes
19:55 Quick summary of four causes
33:25 Hempel's picture of what scientific explanation must do
34:30 Deductive-Nomological explanations: Deduction from laws.
Given certain laws and certain conditions, we can explain something as necessary.
39:03 Probabilistic explanations: The probability of condition A is high. Condition A. Therefore, condition A. Not guaranteed, only probable.
50:30 Asymmetry problem with DN explanations.
Do you have any paper/book recommendations on the asymmetry problem? Thanks.
Hi Zara - I'm sorry I've been so long in replying. A good short source, I think, is this: www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/kk3n/philsciclass/brodyexp.pdf
thank you for this!
Why are buildings so flat in Washington DC with no high rises and tall buildings? Tall buildings cast long shadows. The entire city was planned to avoid overshadowing historical places such as 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington Monument...