ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the similarities and differences between scientific explanation and historical interpretation. It explores the methodological unification of the natural sciences and the humanities. The revised rational explanation also fits with Carl G. Hempel's scientific explanation, leading him to think that his explanation models not only can be applied within the natural sciences, but also can be extended to human sciences. Hempel analyses the concept of genetic explanations and rational explanations, which are both quite common in historical studies, and argues that they also fit his scientific explanation models. His scientific explanation models not only can be applied in the natural sciences, but also can be extended to historical studies. A. Donagan and Yuankang Shih both identify scientific explanation with causal explanation, and then they argue that historical events cannot be explained with concepts such as cause or causal law, but instead with concepts like reason or intention.
