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(1999) Synthese 120 (1).

Complementary explanations

Max Urchs

pp. 137-149

Scientific explanations arc subject to the occurrence of inconsistencies. To rule them out in many cases demands the construction of new theories. As the examples of complementary explanations show, that may take a while. Furthermore, even if possible in principle, it is not always reasonable to eliminate inconsistencies immediately, e.g., by bringing in a more sophisticated formal language. After all, under some circumstances a provisional, not fully coherent explanation may be better than none. In any case, we need a logically controlled approach to such inconsistencies. Modern logic provides the tools which are necessary to solve this task. We will mention two alternative approaches.

Publication details

DOI: 10.1023/A:1005270806908

Full citation:

Urchs, M. (1999). Complementary explanations. Synthese 120 (1), pp. 137-149.

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