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
AuthorsBaron, Sam
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.

Year2019
JournalThe British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Journal citation70 (3), pp. 683-717
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press
ISSN1464-3537
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axx062
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range683-717
Publisher's version
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All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication process dates
Deposited16 Apr 2021
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