ABSTRACT
We are sometimes presented with a statement describing some observed fact, and when we ask “Why?” we are presented with another statement which is said to constitute an “explanation” of the first. What is the relation between these two statements? What is it that constitutes the second statement an “explanation” of the first? By virtue of what does it “explain”? Though everyone is constantly uttering statements which are supposed in one way or another to explain, few persons are at all clear about what it is that makes such statements explanations.
