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Hempel on scientific understanding.

Xingming Hu1

  • 1Philosophy Department, Nanjing University, China.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|July 1, 2021
PubMed
Summary
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This study reconciles Carl Hempel's views on scientific explanation, arguing he consistently held that understanding is the goal. It introduces the "understanding argument" to resolve apparent contradictions in his philosophy of science.

Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Scientific Explanation
  • Epistemology

Background:

  • Carl Hempel's philosophy of science posits three key views on scientific explanation: pragmatic understanding (H1), objective goodness of explanations (H2), and understanding as the goal (H3).
  • Apparent contradictions exist between H1 and H2, leading some to question Hempel's consistency or his commitment to H3.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue that Carl Hempel consistently held all three views (H1, H2, H3).
  • To introduce and attribute the "understanding argument" to Hempel's framework.
  • To demonstrate how this argument clarifies Hempel's Deductive-Nomological (D-N) model and pragmatic analysis of scientific explanation.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of Carl Hempel's core tenets on scientific explanation.
Keywords:
D-N modelExplanationHempelUnderstanding

Related Experiment Videos

  • Reinterpretation of Hempel's views through the lens of the proposed "understanding argument."
  • Examination of the implications for Hempel's D-N model and pragmatic considerations.

    • Main Results:

    • Hempel can be interpreted as consistently holding that understanding is the primary goal of scientific explanation (H3).
    • The "understanding argument" provides a framework for reconciling the pragmatic nature of understanding (H1) with the objective criteria for good explanations (H2).
    • Attributing this argument to Hempel enhances the coherence of his D-N model and his views on the practical aspects of explanation.

    Conclusions:

    • Carl Hempel's philosophy of scientific explanation is more consistent than often portrayed.
    • The "understanding argument" is key to a unified interpretation of Hempel's work on explanation, integrating pragmatic and objective elements.
    • This reinterpretation offers a richer understanding of Hempel's contributions to the philosophy of science.