ABSTRACT

This book introduces readers to the topic of explanation. The insights of Plato, Aristotle, J.S. Mill and Carl Hempel are examined, and are used to argue against the view that explanation is merely a problem for the philosophy of science. Having established its importance for understanding knowledge in general, the book concludes with a bold and original explanation of explanation.

chapter Chapter I|44 pages

Getting our Bearings

chapter Chapter II|32 pages

Plato on Explanation

chapter Chapter III|33 pages

Aristotle on Explanation

chapter Chapter IV|45 pages

Mill and Hempel on Explanation

chapter Chapter V|26 pages

The Ontology of Explanation

chapter Chapter VI|28 pages

Arguments, Laws, and Explanation

chapter Chapter VII|25 pages

A Realist Theory of Explanation