Mathematical Explanation by Law. (28th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baron, Sam
• Is Part Of: British journal for the philosophy of science. Volume 70:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 683
• Page End: 717
• Publication Date: 2017-11-28
• Subjects: Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1093/bjps/axx062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0882

Abstract

Abstract: Call an explanation in which a non-mathematical fact is explained—in part or in whole—by mathematical facts: an extra-mathematical explanation. Such explanations have attracted a great deal of interest recently in arguments over mathematical realism. In this article, a theory of extra-mathematical explanation is developed. The theory is modelled on a deductive-nomological (DN) theory of scientific explanation. A basic DN account of extra-mathematical explanation is proposed and then redeveloped in the light of two difficulties that the basic theory faces. The final view appeals to relevance logic and uses resources in information theory to understand the explanatory relationship between mathematical and physical facts. 1 Introduction 2 Anchoring 3 The Basic Deductive-Mathematical Account 4 The Genuineness Problem 5 Irrelevance 6 Relevance and Information 7 Objections and Replies 7.1 Against relevance logic 7.2 Too epistemic 7.3 Informational containment 8 Conclusion