ABSTRACT

Published in 1999, this work sets out to give an account of explanation which is adequate to the problems that arise when looking at physical science. It offers a theory of explanation with supporting analysis, and also an application to the task of giving an account of explanation in quantum mechanics.

chapter 2|17 pages

Explanation and Mechanism

chapter 3|17 pages

The Instance Theory of Explanation

chapter 6|21 pages

Ellis’ Theory of Quantities

chapter 7|16 pages

Bigelow and Pargetter on Quantities

chapter 8|15 pages

Laws of Nature

chapter 9|14 pages

Laws as Relations between Quantities

chapter 10|18 pages

Quantum Mechanical Quantities

chapter 11|13 pages

Explanation and the Quantum State

chapter 12|7 pages

Reflections and Conclusions