When mathematicians, historians and scientists say that they have explained something, are they using the word explain in the same way?
2006-11-12 05:35:55 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I believe they're using the usual definition, number three, in particular:
Explaining in scientific terms often entails showing relationships, especially that of cause and effect.
But mathematical and scientific explanations are testable - provable, whereas explanations in history are almost always subjective theories.
1 a : to make known
2 : to give the reason for or cause of
3 : to show the logical development or relationships of
intransitive verb : to make something plain or understandable
2006-11-12 05:48:43 · answer #1 · answered by johnslat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting. Are you suggesting that a truth in math, history, and science are absolute truths ex.5+5=10, that the word explain has a different meaning than someone for example explaining how to get from 1st street to Blackstone Blvd? I think perhaps the context could be considered a little different.
2006-11-12 05:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by BluLizard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL WTF
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explain
2006-11-12 05:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uhmmm, its the same word, so yeah. lol
2006-11-12 05:40:47 · answer #4 · answered by Amy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was sure there are no stupid questions....am not sure anymore.
FYI: sorry.
2006-11-12 05:42:48 · answer #5 · answered by mr.chrisrolle 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋