On Tues 17 Jan, we will begin our discussion of scientific explanation. As you will see from the readings, the logical positivists tried tried to use their account of scientific theories to give an account of scientific explanation.
Read
- Hempel & Oppenheimer - Chpt. 16
- Okasha - Chpt. 3
Think About
- What are the main features that Hempel & Oppenheimer think all scientific explanations share in common?
- Do all scientific explanations satisfy the criteria set out by Hempel & Oppenheim?
- Are there arguments that satisfy the criteria set out by Hempel & Oppenheim but which are not scientific explanations?
