In Search of Explanations: from Why-questions to Shakespearean Questions

Abstract

The paper develops a notion of scientific explanation based on Jaakko Hintikka's interrogative model of inquiry.Explanations are interrogative derivations of an explanandum from initial premises and answers given by nature.This I-model explains where the covering law idea went wrong, how the process of explanation can be dealt with, and why strategies are important: iIi explanation genuinely new information can and must be obtained all the time.The paper argues that despite difficulties the logic of questions can be extended to explanation-seeking why-questions.• This paper is an outcome• from the research group on the Interrogative Model of Inquiry, fmanced by the Academy of Finland.Although I am alone responsible for the content of the paper, I wish to express my indebtedness to the following members of the group:

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