Explanation

An explanation is a statement which points to causes, context and consequences of some object (or process, state of affairs etc.), together with rules or laws which link these to the object. Some of these elements of the explanation may be implicit.

Explanations can only be given by those with understanding of the object which is explained.

Some different types of explanations:

• Deductive-nomological
• Teleological
• Functional
• Reductive
• Psychological
• Historical

See also

• induction
• epistemology
• knowledge
• cogency

External links

• Theories of Explanation at The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy