Mathematical explanation by law
Journal article
Baron, Sam. (2019). Mathematical explanation by law. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science. 70(3), pp. 683-717. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axx062
Authors | Baron, Sam |
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Abstract | Call an explanation in which a non-mathematical fact is explained—in part or in whole—by mathematical facts: an extra-mathematical explanation. Such explanations have attracted a great deal of interest recently in arguments over mathematical realism. In this article, a theory of extra-mathematical explanation is developed. The theory is modelled on a deductive-nomological (DN) theory of scientific explanation. A basic DN account of extra-mathematical explanation is proposed and then redeveloped in the light of two difficulties that the basic theory faces. The final view appeals to relevance logic and uses resources in information theory to understand the explanatory relationship between mathematical and physical facts. |
Year | 2019 |
Journal | The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science |
Journal citation | 70 (3), pp. 683-717 |
Publisher | University of Chicago Press |
ISSN | 1464-3537 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axx062 |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 683-717 |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 16 Apr 2021 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8vx23/mathematical-explanation-by-law
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