In 1948, Carl G. Hempel published an essay, "Studies in the Logic of Explanation". It set out a characterization of one kind of deductive argument that does constitute a legitimate type of scientific explanation. It came later to be known as the Deduc...
In 1948, Carl G. Hempel published an essay, "Studies in the Logic of Explanation". It set out a characterization of one kind of deductive argument that does constitute a legitimate type of scientific explanation. It came later to be known as the Deductive-Nomological Model or the Covering Law Model. This thesis investigates meaning of Hempel's the deductive-nomological model, offering a criterion of demarcation for scientific explanation.
Hempel set forth four conditions of adequacy of D-N model, as a criterion to distinct between scientific explanation and un scientific explanation:
(conditions of adequacy)
R1. The explanandum must be a logical consequence of the explanans.
R2. The explanans must contain at least one general law.
R3. The explanans must have empirical content.
R4. The sentences constituting the explanans must be true.
The conditions of adequacy can be summarized in the following schema:
(D-N schema)
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These conditions of adequacy and D-N schema are evidently fulfilled in the following example:
All blaze containing natrium is yellow
This is blaze containing natrium
This blaze is yellow
In the above argument the law is the covering law. And an argument form is modus ponens
according to the Hempel's D-N model, correct scientific explanation is costituted such two basic factors that is, the covering law concept and the modus ponens constitute. According to Hempel, if a certain argument fulfill, then it is correct explanatory argument. If not so, incorrect.
But because of excessive formalistic insistence, Hempel's D-N model come into question, in scientific explanation. The first question is that in respect to the covering law concept. The second question is that in respect to a general law. and third question is that relate to 'structural identity of explanation and prediction' thesis. Through these arguments, I attempt to investigate that Hempel's D-N model is incomplete in as a criterion of demarcation that make a distinction between scientific explanation and unscientific explanation.