Margaret Farrell - Causal Properties of Narrative Explanations

Margaret Farrell

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our Lunch Time Talk. Attend in person at 1117 Cathedral of Learning or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.

LTT: Margaret E. Farrell

Friday, March 6th  @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

Title: Causal Properties of Narrative Explanations

Abstract: 

Some scientists give explanations that seem to have a narrative form. Such explanations are especially prominent in the historical sciences, including evolutionary history. In this talk, I propose a novel account of narrative explanation that situates it within an interventionist account of causal explanation, illustrated with an example from human evolutionary history. In so doing, I account for why apparently narrative explanations have the features that make them stand out to us as narrative. Certain features of the explanatory context at hand and the properties of the causal relationships involved explain why some causal explanations have narrative features. Using my account, I propose strategies for evaluating narrative explanations that are largely in line with explanatory standards employed in other scientific contexts.

This talk will be available online:

Zoom:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/91648526243

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg