Daniel, Kostić and Christopher, Pincock (2026) Non-causal Explanatons of Social and Biological Networks. [Preprint]

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Abstract

One argument that all explanations are causal explanations is that no extant analysis of non-causal explanations can respect mandatory restrictions on explanation. After articulating two such restrictions, Asymmetry and Directionality, we consider how they work with respect to an explanation from network theory that applies to both social and brain networks. We argue that there are two viable ways to make sense of this explanation. One approach is broadly ontic, while another is pragmatic.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Daniel, Kostić daniel.kostic@gmail.com 0000-0001-5729-1476 Christopher, Pincock pincock.1@osu.edu 0000-0003-0602-9333
Keywords:	Non-causal explanations; topological explanations; explanatory directionality; explanatory asymmetry; small-world networks; Kleinberg models; brain navigability; pragmatic relevance; ontic relevance.
Subjects:	General Issues > Causation Specific Sciences > Complex Systems General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Neuroscience Specific Sciences > Sociology
Depositing User:	Dr. Daniel Kostic
Date Deposited:	04 Jun 2026 14:01
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2026 14:01
Item ID:	29907
Subjects:	General Issues > Causation Specific Sciences > Complex Systems General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Neuroscience Specific Sciences > Sociology
Date:	June 2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/29907

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