The Context of Explanation

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xii

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2. The Deductive-Nomological Model Briefly Revisited

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 1-10

3. Causal Conception and Causal Connection

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 11-29

4. Identity and Unification

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 30-41

5. Pragmatics

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 42-58

6. Statics and Dynamics

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 59-72

7. Supervenience and Reductionism

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 73-84

8. Laws

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 85-97

9. Interpretation

   • Martin Bunzl

   Pages 98-110

10. Causal Factuals

    • Martin Bunzl

    Pages 111-130

11. Back Matter

    Pages 131-164

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In this book Martin Bunzl considers the prospects for a general and comprehensive account of explanation, given the variety of interests that prompt explanations in science. Bunzl argues that any successful account of explanation must deal with two very different contexts - one static and one dynamic. Traditionally, theories of explanation have been built for the former of these two contexts. That is to say, they are designed to show how it is that a 'finished' body of scientific knowledge can be put to explanatory use. But finished sciences are few and far between. Real 'explanation' also occurs in a dynamical context in which questions are asked and answers are given as theories are in the process of being constructed. Here, Bunzl argues that attending to explanation produced under these dynamic circumstances undermines prominent features of the theory of explanation produced in the traditional static context.

• interpret
• knowledge
• science

• Department of Philosophy, Rutgers University, USA

  Martin Bunzl

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