Title

Einstein's Theory of Theories and Types of Theoretical Explanation

Author Info

Francisco Flores, Queen's University - Kingston, OntarioFollow

Recommended Citation

Postprint version. Published in International Studies in the Philosophy of Science, Volume 13, Issue 2, January 1, 1999, pages 123-134.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Francisco Flores was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1080/02698599908573613.

Abstract

In this paper I draw on Einstein's distinction between “principle” and “constructive” theories to isolate two levels of physical theory that can be found in both classical and (special) relativistic physics. I then argue that when we focus on theoretical explanations in physics, i.e. explanations of physical laws, the two leading views on explanation, Salmon's “bottom-up” view and Kitcher's “top-down” view, accurately describe theoretical explanations for a given level of theory. I arrive at this conclusion through an analysis of explanations of mass—energy equivalence in special relativity.

Disciplines

Philosophy

Copyright

1999 Taylor & Francis.

Publisher statement

This is an electronic version of an article published in International Studies in the Philosophy of Science.