A description accounting for a phenomenon
Other definitions
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"An explanation is a fact that is not known for certain but,
if found to be true, would constitute an actual
cause of the explanandum, regardless of the agent's initial
uncertainty."[HP2]
-
"An explanation of [a phenomenon] φ is a minimal elaboration of
events that suffice to cause φ even in the
face of uncertainty about the actual situation."[HP1]
-
A causal explanation is a "pattern of contrafactual dependence
between explanans and explanandum".[WW1]
-
An explanation is a "conceptual framework for a phenomenon that leads to a
feeling of understanding".[BreChiSam]
-
An explanation is "an apparently successful attempt to increase
the understanding" which creates knowledge and has implications
beyond the phenomenon being explained.[WilKeil]
Senses
Within everyday usage, explanation has many senses,
including the following.
- A cause or causal chain capable of producing the phenomenon
- A description of how to perform or recreate a phenomenon
-
The place within a broader theoretical framework that relates to
the phenomenon
- A human motive for a phenomenon's occurrence
- An expression of empathy for someone experiencing a phenomenon
-
A justification with respect to an ethical implication of a phenomenon
- A definition or meaning for a phenomenon
- A social movement that engenders supporters