Explanations in the multidimensional model

In the philosophy of science, many kinds of explanation are distinguished, for example:

1. causal explanations, which identify necessary and sufficient observable causes for observable effects,
2. final explanations (functional, teleological explanations), which identify outcomes or results as necessary and sufficient conditions for observable processes,
3. deductive-nomological explanations, which derive statements about the observable world from general laws, and these laws from even more general laws, until a universally valid law are found from which more specific details can be derived.

We will concentrate on different aspects of deductive nomological explanations, consider general laws to express linguistically significant generalisations about speech and writing, and concentrate on three linguistically relevant kinds of explanation: declarative, procedural and epistemological explanations.

 
• Declarative explanations
• Procedural explanations
• Epistemological explanations