Narrative possibility and narrative explanation. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beatty, John
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Volume 62(2017)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Narrative explanation -- Counterfactual explanation -- Contingency -- Branching time -- Historical or narrative possibility -- Historical or narrative counterfactuals -- Sideshadowing -- Disnarration -- Virtual narratives; Science -- History -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2017.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3681

Abstract

Abstract: Narratives are about not only what actually happened, but also what might have. And narrative explanations make productive use of these unrealized possibilities. I discuss narrative explanation as a form of counterfactual, difference-making explanation, with a demanding qualification: the counterfactual conditions are historically or narratively (not merely logically or physically) possible. I consider these issues in connection with literary, historical and scientific narratives.