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The Social Science Journal Volume 36, 1999 - Issue 4
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Original Article

Was the truth ever meant to explain much? A critique of Nancy Cartwright

Michael X AshoohUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
&
Paul C.L TangCalifornia State University, Long Beach, California, USA
Pages 615-621 | Published online: 09 Dec 2019
 
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Abstract

Nancy Cartwright discusses the concept of scientific law and makes some illuminating points concerning laws as true descriptions of what is observed in nature and scientific laws that are used to explain what occurs in nature. The two concepts do not always coincide. She thinks that the identity of truth with explanation is fostered by the D-N Model of explanation. We argue that Cartwright misrepresents the nature of the D-N Model and that Hempel’s treatment of scientific explanation can accommodate Cartwright’s criticisms.

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