Philosophy Argument vs Explanation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How is an explanation different from an argument?

The purpose of an argument is to convince someone that a claim is true. The purpose of an explanation is to show why a claim is true, not that it is true.

Name the four criteria used in distinguishing between an argument and an explanation.

Common knowledge test, past event test, author's intent test, and principle of charity test.

Name the different types of explanations.

Interpretive, procedural, teleological, and causal.

What is an interpretive explanation?

These concern the meaning of terms or states of affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a procedural explanation?

These concern or describe how to do something. Signup and view all the answers

What is a teleological explanation?

These try to explain the purpose of something, how it functions, or how it fits into a plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common knowledge test?

If the statement that the passage seeks to prove or explain is a matter of common knowledge, the statement is an explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the past event test?

If the statement is an event that occurred in the past, the passage is probably an explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's intent test?

If the passage contains logic signals, they can help you discern whether the author intended the passage to be understood as an explanation or as an argument. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of charity test?

It requires that if a passage is unclear as to whether it is an argument or an explanation, you should treat it as an explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a causal explanation?

This is the type of explanation that attempts to provide reasons for why a state of affairs exists or an event has occurred. Signup and view all the answers

What is inference to the best explanation?

The process where we state and examine alternative explanations for an event and arrive at a conclusion as to which is the best explanation. Signup and view all the answers

Name the criteria for assessing which is the best explanation.

Consistency, adequacy (five criteria for judging adequacy), testability, fruitfulness, scope, simplicity, conservatism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between inference to the best explanation and the fallacy of inference to the best explanation?

The fallacy is arguing that because a given explanation appears to be the best explanation of an event, it must be the correct explanation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Black Plague?

The Black Plague is estimated to have killed between 30% and 60% of Europe's population between 1348 and 1350. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ridges on the F and J keys on a keyboard?

The purpose of these ridges is to signal the typist what is the 'home' position for the index fingers of each hand. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Explanation vs. Argument

An argument aims to convince someone of the truth of a claim.
An explanation seeks to clarify why a claim is true, without asserting that it is true.

Criteria for Distinguishing Arguments from Explanations

Common knowledge test: A statement within common knowledge indicates an explanation rather than an argument.
Past event test: Statements describing past events likely serve as explanations.
Author's intent test: Logic signals in a passage determine if the author intended it as an explanation or argument.
Principle of charity test: If unclear, treat the passage as an explanation.

Types of Explanations

Interpretive: Focus on the meaning of terms or states of affairs.
Procedural: Describe how to accomplish a task.
Teleological: Explain the purpose, function, or planned role of something.
Causal: Provide reasons for the existence of a state of affairs or occurrence of an event.

Causal Explanations

Most commonly encountered type of explanation.
Aim to identify reasons behind events or states of affairs.

Inference to the Best Explanation

Involves evaluating multiple potential explanations for an event to determine which is most plausible.
Important to differentiate correct inference from fallacy, which asserts the best explanation is necessarily the correct one.

Criteria for Best Explanation

Consistency: Alignment with established principles or theories.
Adequacy: Judged by five specific criteria.
Testability: Capability to be tested against observations.
Fruitfulness: Potential to generate further research or insights.
Scope: Range of phenomena explained.
Simplicity: Preference for simpler explanations over complex ones.
Conservatism: Compatibility with existing knowledge.

Historical Example: Black Plague

Estimated to have killed 30%-60% of Europe's population from 1348-1350.
Name may derive from either the devastation caused or the blackened skin in late disease stages.

Keyboard Design Example

The ridges on the F and J keys indicate the proper "home" position for index fingers in touch-typing.
Ensures typists maintain correct hand positioning while typing.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the differences between explanations and arguments in philosophy. Explore essential criteria for distinguishing the two concepts. Perfect for students looking to sharpen their understanding of philosophical reasoning.