Time enough for explanation

Journal article

Baron, Sam and Colyvan, Mark. (2016). Time enough for explanation. Journal of Philosophy. 113(2), pp. 61-88. https://doi.org/10.5840/jphil201611324
AuthorsBaron, Sam and Colyvan, Mark
Abstract

The present paper advances an analogy between cases of extra-mathematical explanation (mathematical explanations of physical facts) and cases of what might be termed ‘extra-logical explanation’: the explanation of a physical fact by a logical fact. A particular case of extra-logical explanation is identified that arises in the philosophical literature on time travel. This instance of extra-logical explanation is subsequently shown to be of a piece with cases of extra-mathematical explanation. Using this analogy, we argue extra-mathematical explanation is part of a broader class of non-causal explanation. This has important implications for extra-mathematical explanation, for time travel and for theories of explanation more generally.

Year2016
JournalJournal of Philosophy
Journal citation113 (2), pp. 61-88
PublisherJournal of Philosophy, Inc.
ISSN0022-362X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5840/jphil201611324
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84992349019
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range61-88
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All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
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Deposited16 Apr 2021
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