On the compatibility of the unification and the mechanistic approaches to explanation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Chrysostomos Mantzavinos
• Subject Area: Theoretical Philosophy
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 157943125

There are two main approaches to scientific explanation in the philosophical literature. The unification approach claims that science explains by fitting the particular facts and events within a general theoretical framework. The causal/mechanistic approach claims that science explains by identifying mechanisms understood as entities and activities organized such that they are productive of regular changes from start to termination conditions. The main goal of the project is to examine whether these two approaches are compatible or not and if they are, then to explicate how exactly. In pursuing this goal the project will take into account the explanatory practices in the different domains of science, mainly in the social sciences.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants