Baron, Sam (2017) Mathematical Explanation by Law. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science.

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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 paper, a theory of extra-mathematical explanation is developed. The theory is modeled on a deductive-nomological 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.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Baron, Sam samuel.baron@uwa.edu.au 0000-0003-4000-3276
Keywords:	Explanation;mathematics;relevance;logic;deduction;law;consequence
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Logic Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Ontology General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Mathematics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User:	Dr Samuel Baron
Date Deposited:	08 Nov 2021 16:54
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2021 16:54
Item ID:	19824
Journal or Publication Title:	The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Logic Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Ontology General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Mathematics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date:	28 July 2017
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19824

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• Mathematical Explanation by Law. (deposited 29 Aug 2017 14:30)
  • Mathematical Explanation by Law. (deposited 08 Nov 2021 16:54) [Currently Displayed]

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