Explanatory circles
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Roughly put, explanatory circles - if any exist - would be propositions such that (i) each explains the next, and (ii) the last explains the first. In this paper, I give two arguments for the view that there are explanatory circles. The first argument appeals to general relativistic worlds in which time is circular. The second argument appeals to special science theories that describe feedback loops. In addition, I show that three standard arguments against explanatory circles are unsuccessful.
Author: Isaac Wilhelm
Institution: National University of Singapore
Language: English
Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,740
OpenAlex ID: W4404366423