This paper introduces a new kind of explanation that we describe as ‘purely theoretical’. We first present an example, E, of what we take to be a case of purely theoretical explanation. We then show that the explanation we have in mind does not fit neatly into any of the existing categories of explanation. We take this to give us prima facie motivation for thinking that purely theoretical explanation is a distinctive kind of explanation. We then argue that it can earn its keep via application to two existing literatures: the literature on how we explain the truth of true negative existential propositions and the literature on how we explain the truth of true propositions about the past. We reply to some possible concerns regarding the introduction of purely theoretical explanations. We conclude that there is nothing obviously wrong with them and explore the ramifications for particular debates in metaphysics.

Purely Theoretical Explanations / G. Andreoletti, J. Tallant, G. Torrengo. - In: PHILOSOPHIA. - ISSN 0048-3893. - 49:1(2021), pp. 133-154. [10.1007/s11406-020-00250-1]

Purely Theoretical Explanations

G. Andreoletti;G. Torrengo
2021

Abstract

This paper introduces a new kind of explanation that we describe as ‘purely theoretical’. We first present an example, E, of what we take to be a case of purely theoretical explanation. We then show that the explanation we have in mind does not fit neatly into any of the existing categories of explanation. We take this to give us prima facie motivation for thinking that purely theoretical explanation is a distinctive kind of explanation. We then argue that it can earn its keep via application to two existing literatures: the literature on how we explain the truth of true negative existential propositions and the literature on how we explain the truth of true propositions about the past. We reply to some possible concerns regarding the introduction of purely theoretical explanations. We conclude that there is nothing obviously wrong with them and explore the ramifications for particular debates in metaphysics.
English
Metaphysics; Explanation; Truth-making; Presentism
Settore M-FIL/05 - Filosofia e Teoria dei Linguaggi
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Pubblicazione scientifica
   Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018-2022 - Dipartimento di FILOSOFIA
   MINISTERO DELL'ISTRUZIONE E DEL MERITO
2021
mar-2020
Springer
49
1
133
154
22
Pubblicato
Periodico con rilevanza internazionale
Aderisco
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Purely Theoretical Explanations / G. Andreoletti, J. Tallant, G. Torrengo. - In: PHILOSOPHIA. - ISSN 0048-3893. - 49:1(2021), pp. 133-154. [10.1007/s11406-020-00250-1]
open
Prodotti della ricerca::01 - Articolo su periodico
3
262
Article (author)
no
G. Andreoletti, J. Tallant, G. Torrengo
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/858476
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