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Social mechanisms and explaining how : A reply to Kimberly Chuang

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Author

Summary, in English

Kimberly Chuang’s detailed and very helpful reply to my article (2012a) concerns Jon Elster’s struggle to develop a mechanistic account that sheds light on explanation in social science. I argue that a problem exists with Elster’s current conception of mechanistic explanation in social contexts. Chuang (2012) defends Elster’s conception against my critique. I still believe I have identified a problem with Elster’s conception. In this reply I want to recapitulate briefly Elster’s idea, as I understand it, and then use some of Chuang’s critical points to advance the position I advocate.

Publishing year

2012

Language

English

Pages

37-41

Publication/Series

Social Epistemology Review and Reply Collective

Volume

1

Issue

9

Document type

Journal article (letter)

Topic

  • Educational Sciences
  • Philosophy

Keywords

  • causal explanation
  • Elster
  • social explanation
  • mechanistic explanation

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2471-9560