The Logic of Explanatory Power
Top Cited Papers
- 1 January 2011
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Philosophy of Science
- Vol. 78 (1), 105-127
- https://doi.org/10.1086/658111
Abstract
This article introduces and defends a probabilistic measure of the explanatory power that a particular explanans has over its explanandum. To this end, we propose several intuitive, formal conditions of adequacy for an account of explanatory power. Then, we show that these conditions are uniquely satisfied by one particular probabilistic function. We proceed to strengthen the case for this measure of explanatory power by proving several theorems, all of which show that this measure neatly corresponds to our explanatory intuitions. Finally, we briefly describe some promising future projects inspired by our account.Keywords
This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit:
- Confirmation, Heuristics, and Explanatory ReasoningThe British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 2003
- Thinking about MechanismsPhilosophy of Science, 2000
- Explanations, Tests, Unity and NecessityNoûs, 1980
- Explanation and Scientific UnderstandingThe Journal of Philosophy, 1974
- Statistical ExplanationPublished by JSTOR ,1971
- Degree of Factual SupportPhilosophy of Science, 1952
- Studies in the Logic of ExplanationPhilosophy of Science, 1948