It is interesting to note how philosophers proposing theories of explanation validate their work. Unlike scientific theories, there are no testable predictions. Instead, theories of explanation are validated by trying them against a battery of interesting scenarios.

An explanation scenario describes a situation in which a theory of explanation is tested against the common-sense rubric of whether most people would find that an explanation subscribing to that theory makes sense. Failures point out difficulties in the theory.

You can try out some of these scenarios by clicking on the buttons to the left.