Scientific Explanation and the Causal Structure of the World

摘要: The philosophical theory of scientific explanation proposed here involves a radically new treatment causality that accords with the pervasively statistical character contemporary science. Wesley C. Salmon describes three fundamental conceptions explanation--the epistemic, modal, and ontic. He argues prevailing view (a version epistemic conception) is untenable modal conception scientifically out-dated. Significantly revising aspects his earlier work, he defends causal/mechanical ontic conception. Professor Salmon's furnishes robust argument for realism akin to convinced twentieth-century physical scientists existence atoms molecules. To do justice such notions as irreducibly laws explanation, offers novel account randomness. transition from "reviewed view" (that explanations are arguments) model requires rethinking basic explanatory concepts.