Explanation by induction?

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Synthese 190 (3):509-524 (2013)
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Abstract

Philosophers of mathematics commonly distinguish between explanatory and non-explanatory proofs. An important subclass of mathematical proofs are proofs by induction. Are they explanatory? This paper addresses the question, based on general principles about explanation. First, a recent argument for a negative answer is discussed and rebutted. Second, a case is made for a qualified positive take on the issue.

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10.1007/s11229-011-0045-z

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Author Profiles

Benjamin Schnieder
University of Vienna
Miguel Hoeltje
University of Duisburg-Essen
Alex Steinberg
Universität Hamburg

Citations of this work

Grounding and the explanatory role of generalizations.Stefan Roski - 2018 - Philosophical Studies 175 (8):1985-2003.
Explanation impossible.Sam Baron & Mark Colyvan - 2020 - Philosophical Studies 178 (2):559-576.
A puzzle about laws and explanation.Siegfried Jaag - 2021 - Synthese 199 (3-4):6085-6102.

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References found in this work

A World of States of Affairs.D. M. Armstrong - 1997 - New York: Cambridge University Press.
What is a Law of Nature?D. M. Armstrong - 1983 - New York: Cambridge University Press. Edited by Sydney Shoemaker.
Guide to Ground.Kit Fine - 2012 - In Fabrice Correia & Benjamin Schnieder (eds.), Metaphysical Grounding. Cambridge University Press. pp. 37--80.
A World of States of Affairs.D. Armstrong - 1993 - Philosophical Perspectives 7:429-440.
The question of realism.Kit Fine - 2001 - Philosophers' Imprint 1:1-30.

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