Explanation Definition and 982 Threads

An explanation is a set of statements usually constructed to describe a set of facts which clarifies the causes, context, and consequences of those facts. This description may establish rules or laws, and may clarify the existing rules or laws in relation to any objects, or phenomena examined.Explanation, in philosophy, is a set of statements that makes intelligible the existence or occurrence of an object, event, or state of affairs. Among the most common forms of explanation are causal explanation; deductive-nomological explanation, which involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization from which it may be derived in a deductive argument (e.g., “All gases expand when heated; this gas was heated; therefore, this gas expanded”); and statistical explanation, which involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization that gives it inductive support (e.g., “Most people who use tobacco contract cancer; this person used tobacco; therefore, this person contracted cancer”). Explanations of human behaviour typically appeal to the subject’s beliefs and desires, as well as other facts about him, and proceed on the assumption that the behaviour in question is rational (at least to a minimum degree). Thus an explanation of why the subject removed his coat might cite the fact that the subject felt hot, that the subject desired to feel cooler, and that the subject believed that he would feel cooler if he took off his coat.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. ash64449

    Explanation of m&m experiment through sr

    Hello friends, We all know that Michelson-Morley conducted an experiment which led to the proof that ether doe not exist. I don't know whether there is an alternative experiment of this,if there is i mean this...
  2. T

    How can Schrödinger's Cat be both alive and dead?

    Can some one explain to me how the cat can be both alive and dead, I get the principle that since we don't know it is both at the same time because we don't know but in reality it's either alive or alive we just don't know, it's the human factor of sentience just because we don't know doesn't...
  3. T

    Explanation behind Moseley's Law?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moseley's_law I'm not quite sure why it's (Z-1) instead of just Z.
  4. K

    F=BIL Relationship with coils Explanation?

    Homework Statement There's no specific problem here so I'd say this template doesn't specifically apply. I'm doing a piece of coursework investigating F=BIL and electromagnets and I'm having some trouble. I think the issue here is the data that I've collected so bear with me. I've been making...
  5. H

    Exploring Olber's Paradox: Is the Wikipedia Explanation Wrong?

    I'm having a bit of a problem getting my head around Olber's paradox. The explanations haven't convinced me (I'm sure the fault is with me). According to Wikipedia: "To show this, we divide the universe into a series of concentric shells, 1 light year thick (say). Thus, a certain number of...
  6. C

    Can You Help Me Understand Reflected Waves and Power in Conductors?

    I am currently studying antenna's and the concept of reflected waves and reflected power inside conductors really confuses me. When I imagine an AC current flow inside a conductor I imagine all the electrons to have an equilibrium position before the AC voltage is applied, and then once it is...
  7. V

    What is most likely to be the actual explanation of gravity?

    I am studying general relativity and quantum physics at the moment and as you know each theory has a different explanation for gravity and now the string theory has a different one too (afaik) so what is most likely to be the actual explanation of gravity? General relativity seems very logical...
  8. J

    I Relativistic Explanation for the Unipolar Generator

    Hello All, I was recently looking into explanations for the operation of Faraday's unipolar generator and came across the following article, titled "The Unipolar Generator, A Demonstration of Special Relativity" published by a professor at the University of Maryland...
  9. A

    Variable valency explanation and cause

    many transition elements have variable oxidation state like Fe.what is the exact cause for this?they may not obey the octet rule,but what is the reason behind this?Also,elements like nitrogen are not transition elements and still show variable valency.what will be the electronic configuration of...
  10. P

    Explanation of quadratic divergence in higgs mechanism

    Hi can anyone explain what a quadratic divergence is? and if so how it effects the mass of the scalar field i.e why m^2 = m^2_{0} + \delta m^2, why are these things squared? Also how would this divergence affect the standard model as a natural concept, because from reading books it would...
  11. Q

    How Does Projectile Angle Affect Range in Physics?

    Galileo showed that, if air resistance is neglected, the ranges for projectiles whose angles of projection exceed or fall short of 45 degree by the same amount are equal. Prove Galileo’s result. Answer in my textbook : set θ=45+ - ∂ (I understand this) Now comes the weird part R =...
  12. N

    Complex analysis topic help Need explanation

    Homework Statement This isn't a specific problem, but more of a type of problem I do not get. I am taking undergrad complex analysis, using the book by Bak and Newman. Its only a couple week in and I am having to spend a lot of time on it, last week I spent about 7 hours on the homework (which...
  13. P

    Pulse Width Modulation explanation

    I have read a lot of articles on pulse width modulation and I am none the wiser as to how it generates different voltages by simply varying the pulse width of the waveform. What I read was that if you have a rectangular wave train of some amplitude and change the 'ON' period the "NET" voltage...
  14. C

    Explanation of common calculus examples

    Work (J) =\int Force(N) .dx(m) I understand this one, work done = force * distance moved in direction due force, but the force can change in magnitude or direction so less/more component of the force is in the direction of movement, so in this case the area under the graph of force vs distance...
  15. V

    In-Depth Pascal's Law Explanation

    Problem: The general idea makes sense intuitively to me, but most sources I've found cite Pascal's Law merely as scientific fact with not much explanation. What I'm wondering is why pressure applied at one point in a fluid is transmitted undiminished to all other points? Is it a concept due...
  16. 2

    Help make sense of this polarization explanation by Cal Tech

    This vid was produced by Cal Tech. Pay attention to Dr. David Goodstein's explanation of the polarization of light near the end of the video. Does any of it make sense to you, or are Cal Tech Professors showing their fallible sides?
  17. M

    MHB Unusual algebra problem (having trouble understanding the explanation)

    Hi all, new to the forum here. I posted this about a week ago on a different web board and had difficulty understanding the reply. I was hoping I might be able to ask someone here if they can help me make sense of this... I'm amazed at how much trouble I'm having with it... The Problem: If...
  18. S

    Division Algorithm proof explanation

    This is taken from "Passage to Abstract Mathematics," Watkins and Meyer. "Theorem 2.3.9 (Division Algorithm) If a \in\mathbb{Z} and b\in\mathbb{N}, then there exist q,r \in\mathbb{Z} such that a = qb+r and 0 \leq r < b. Furthermore, for each b\in\mathbb{N}, this representation of a is unique...
  19. P

    MHB Chain Rule and 'The Mob'....Pretty darn good explanation

    This guy relates the calculus chain rule to a popular mob movie. You should really check it out. This is one of the newer videos but people like the way this guy explains things. Here is the link: Ghetto Dude Relates Calculus Chain Rule To "THE MOB" - YouTube
  20. Q

    Electric circuit explanation question involving voltage changes

    Homework Statement The filament of the lamp in X breaks and the lamp no longer conducts. It is observed that the voltmeter reading decreased and the lamp Y glows more brightly. a) Explain without calculation why the voltmeter reading decreases. b) Explain without calculation why the lamp Y...
  21. A

    Physical explanation of velocity time dilation

    In SR, pure relative velocity between two observers causes a time dilation between them. It seems that if the two observers were at rest w.r.t. each other at some point in time, then the one who accelerates to achieve the relative velocity is the one who gets time dilation (i.e. comparatively...
  22. P

    Need a simple wave function explanation

    I can not seem to find out what a wave function function is amd I would just like a simple explination of what it is and how it is used. And what is this symbol ψ. Thank you.
  23. J

    Intuitive explanation for the general determinant formula?

    Hello Could anyone give an intuitive explanation of the determinant? I know mostly what the determinant means and I can calculate it etc. But I have never got any real-world intuitive explanation of the general formula of the determinant? How is the formula derived? Where does it come...
  24. V

    Need explanation of theorems on Uniform continuity

    I'm taking my first course in Analysis, and we learned a couple of theorems about Uniform Continuity. I have been able to visualize most of what's been going on before, but I need some help with the following: E \subseteq ℝ, f: E \rightarrow ℝ uniform continuous. if a sequence xn is Cauchy...
  25. S

    What is a Quotient Group? A Simple Explanation

    Can someone please explain to me, in as simple words as possible, what a quotient group is? I hate my books explanation, and I would love it if someone can tell me what it is in english?
  26. E

    If you had a possible explanation on dark energy.

    If you had a possible explanation on dark energy... As the title tries to suggest, what would be the best way to get opinions on my idea of dark energy, without sounding like a kook? I spend probably spend 2-10 hrs a day either thinking, reading or watching documentaries about the cosmos. I...
  27. M

    Can anyone give a common-sense explanation of singular values?

    I've been reading a few mathematical definitions and I'm still not sure I grasp their significance. If Ax = b, then what do the singular values of A represent in terms of x and b? Why are they important? I'm not looking for a formal definition, just a conceptual description or even some...
  28. S

    Understanding 3D Planes & Hyperplanes: Intuition & Practical Explanation

    In the following two problems I am trying to get a deeper intuition of, the plane has 3 variables and is 3 dimensional and the hyperplane has four variables and is 3 dimensional as well. Can someone please show me why, practically, in the context of these problems? Question with hyperplane...
  29. TrickyDicky

    Aharonov-Bohm topological explanation

    In trying to get the Aharonov-effect right I've found something that I'm not sure how to sort out. Briefly put my understanding of the effect is that it shows something that cannot be explained by classical physics in the sense that makes observable a classical EM global gauge transformation...
  30. B

    Very Simple Eigenvalue Calculation Need explanation please

    Homework Statement Calculate the eigenvalues of the matrix 5 2 -3 0 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Ok we were taught that eigenvalues were calculated by taking the determinant( A - λI) = 0. So just subtract a "λ" value from the diagnol entries of the given...
  31. C

    [Basic question] What is the 'physical' explanation of a division by a fraction?

    For example, dividing by 2, means we cut something in two. But dividing by 0.5, can only be explained with multiplying something by 2. So, is there a "physical" explanation of dividing by 0.5? Is it "I divide by an entity that internally multiplies' or something as so bizarre?
  32. G

    Explanation of a quantum simulator

    Hi, I am trying to get an idea of what a quantum simulator is. I know that it has to do with quantum computers and information theory, and it basically represents a model, but has anybody have something like a textbook definition or the title of a book where i can look it up? Any help?
  33. W

    Torque multiple choice question needing explanation

    Homework Statement If two forces of equal magnitude act on an object that is hinged at a pivot, the force acting farther from the pivot must produce the greater torque about the pivot. a. False b. unable to decide without knowing shape of object c. True Homework Equations T=rxF...
  34. S

    Reference or explanation of zeta mellin transform in critical strip

    Hi. In Apostol's book "Introduction to analytic number theory", Teorem 3.2(b), Apostol proves (1) \zeta (s) = \lim\limits_{x \to \infty} \left\{ \sum\limits_{n \leq x} \frac{1}{n^s} - \frac{x^{1-s}}{1-s} \right\} for s in critical strip. I know this translates to a Mellin transform...
  35. 1

    Faraday's Law Need help with explanation

    Homework Statement http://em.groups.et.byu.net/embook/ch6/mod6.4.html ^^The link has the problem Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know the answer is (a), but can someone explain to me the reason configuration (A) induces the largest V emf?? compared to (b) or (c)??
  36. G

    Conceptual Explanation of Gauss' Law?

    I'm trying to explain Gauss' Law to a bunch of high school kids. They want to know why the total electric flux through a closed surface does not depend on the shape and volume of the closed surface and the orientation of the enclosed charges. I know the math, but conceptually, I'm at a...
  37. V

    Better explanation for why electrons in filled bands don't conduct?

    My book talks about it, but doesn't give a very intuitive reason why. It essentially says that from a modified version of Liouville's Theorem, the electrons in a band stay in that band. Then it says the phase space (position-wavevector phase space) has a constant density through time, and if...
  38. S

    Bernoulli's equation explanation

    In Bernoulli's equation, why the work on fluid at the lower end of the pipe is taken as negative? please explain why the force is negative to displacement at the lower end?
  39. S

    Peculiar Occurrence Needs Explanation

    Greetings friends, I'm an engineering student and I currently work in a restaurant and I've observed a beautifully interesting phenomena while washing the dishes in the stainless steel sink. I'm very interested as to what causes it. While I'm drying dishes that have just been passed...
  40. T

    Gravitational Field Paradox Explanation?

    Gravitational Field Paradox Explanation?? Hi everyone. If electric and gravitational field has an infinite nature-meaning that the effect one charged particle has on another charged particle always remains even though it diminishes over distances but can never reach absolute 0-then how is this...
  41. C

    Explanation on minimization of Expected values

    Why is the E[ Y - f(x) ]^2 minimized when choosing f(x) = E[Y|X] ?
  42. A

    Engineering Need explanation about the steps to drawing a NAND circuit

    Please, I need you to teach me how to write the equations from the Karnaugh map and then how to draw the NAND circuits. Here's the sample that I have but I don't understand :( I know the basic of writing SOP and POS from the Karnaugh map but that's all. I don't get how it is converted to get the...
  43. M

    Explanation of uniform topology theorem in Munkres

    Hi all, I'm looking for some help in understanding one of the theorems stated in section 20 of Munkres. The theorem is as follows: The uniform topology on ##\mathbb{R}^J## (where ##J## is some arbitrary index set) is finer than the product topology and coarser than the box topology; these...
  44. B

    Newton's Third Law Explanation

    For every force exerted by object A on object B, an equal and opposing force is exerted by object B on object A. I need help understanding the principle. I understand it when dealing with a completely stationary object: pushing on a solid wall, it exerts an equal force back to your hand...
  45. I

    Explanation about air flows in tubes

    Hi people, I'm new here, so, if there's anything wrong with my post, please tell-me =) So, if we have a recipient, with a cavity and a small hole, and imagine that we have a sudden expansion of the gas inside the recipient(we assume the volume increase was ΔV, and the duration of the...
  46. DaTario

    Searching for a nice explanation: Plane Mirror

    Hi All, The question is rather simple: Why a plane mirror image exchanges right with left but does not interfere with up and down? Best wishes, DaTario
  47. shounakbhatta

    Understanding Co & Contra Variants, Coordinate Free System & Parallel Transport

    Hello All, I am new to GR, studying slowly. I am little bit confused between the following terms and their usage: (a) Co & contra variant vectors - Do they help in transformation? (b) What is a co-ordinate free system? Do co & contra variant vectors help it? (c) What is parallel...
  48. E

    Explanation the difference between various types of plots

    Hello, Why people use semi-log and log-log plots? What are they advantage? Linear plots are more convenient as they show the direct relationship between x and y variables, aren't they? Thanks.
  49. S

    Directional Derivative Solved Question: Explanation Needed Please

    1. Question: Find the directional derivatives of f(x, y, z) = x2+2xyz−yz2 at (1, 1, 2) in the directions parallel to the line (x−1)/2 = y − 1 = (z−2)/-3. 2. Solution: We have ∇f = (2x + 2yz)i + (2xz - z2)j + (2xy - 2yz)k. Therefore, ∇f(1, 1, 2) = 6i - 2k. The given line is...
  50. T

    Explanation of Isothermal vs Adiabatic Cooling

    Hey all, I was wondering if someone could explain the difference between isothermal and adiabatic processes. I know that in isothermal process, there is no temperature change in the system, and in adiabatic process, there is no heat transfer. However, can someone explain to me what each one is...
Back
Top