(HS/OS) Theories of Scientific Explanation
Dozent:innen: Dr. Sarwar AhmedKurzname: HS/OS Explanation
Kurs-Nr.: 05.127.435
Kurstyp: Seminar
Inhalt
This seminar examines and explores various theories of scientific explanation. A theory of scientific explanation typically aims to do at least two things: to distinguish explanation from related epistemic activities such as description, and to clarify what - if anything - makes explanations in science distinctive. These questions have made scientific explanation a central topic in the philosophy of science.This seminar examines major philosophical accounts of scientific explanation and the challenges they face. Philosophers have proposed a variety of models - logical, causal, unificatory, pragmatic - to capture the structure and function of explanation. Yet no single account appears to accommodate the diversity of explanatory practices found across the sciences. This raises a central question: can there be a unified theory of scientific explanation, or must we adopt a more pluralistic approach?
We begin with Carl G. Hempel and Paul Oppenheim's epoch-making article, "Studies in the Logic of Explanation," also known as the "Deductive-Nomological (DN) model," and then consider subsequent developments and critiques, including Wesley Salmon’s statistical relevance and causal-mechanical accounts; unificationist approaches by Michael Friedman and Philip Kitcher; the pragmatic account of Bas van Fraassen; Michael Strevens’ kairetic theory; and interventionist accounts of causal explanation developed by James Woodward.
Students will engage with key philosophical texts and develop the ability to critically evaluate competing accounts of scientrific explanation.
Termine
| Datum (Wochentag) | Zeit | Ort |
|---|---|---|
| 15.04.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 22.04.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 29.04.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 06.05.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 13.05.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 20.05.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 27.05.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 03.06.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 10.06.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 17.06.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 24.06.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 01.07.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |
| 08.07.2026 (Mittwoch) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02 445 P205 1141 - Philosophisches Seminargebäude |