Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
| |||
|
| |||
| Best explanation: preference for one hypothesis over others. The choice can be done within a theory or result in the transition to another theory. See also explanation._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
| Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bas van Fraassen on Best Explanation - Dictionary of Arguments
I 20 Best explanation/BE/Harman/Fraassen: not committed to adopting unobservable entities. >Unobserables. I 22 FraassenVsBest explanation: even if I am obliged to say that a theory is either true or false, I am not obliged to conclude it! - I am when I’m determined not to remain neutral. Simplicity: does not commit me on a theory that I do not believe. >Simplicity. False solution: to assume just a second (false) theory, and then to use the Best explanation in order to choose the other. - To follow normal patterns of inference does not make realists of us all - ((s) otherwise the anti-realism would have to be logically false). >Inferences, >Anti-realism._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Fr I B. van Fraassen The Scientific Image Oxford 1980 |
||
> Counter arguments against Fraassen
> Counter arguments in relation to Best Explanation
Ed. Martin Schulz, access date 2024-04-27