Competing Explanations

In this book, Mark Day undertakes a philosophical
examination of the nature of explanatory competition
between historical accounts. It is usual for a
philosophy of explanation to attempt an analysis of
explanation, singular. The focus of this work is on
relations between two or more explanations. The
methodology of Day''s work is built upon a conception
of descriptive philosophy: such that when attempting
to philosophise about a practice such as history, we
should pay detailed attention to existing good
practice. To this end, Day''s conclusions are
developed in conjunction with an examination of eight
differing explanations of the French Revolution. Day
argues for, and analyses, two major types of relation
between historical accounts: relations of exclusion,
and of competition. In examining the nature of
explanatory competition, Day develops a realist
account of the nature of historical importance.

Autorentext

Mark Day is the author of 'The Philosophy of History', acomprehensive introduction to the subject, published in 2008 byContinuum Press. He has lectured at the philosophy departmentsof Leeds, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

Klappentext

In this book, Mark Day undertakes a philosophicalexamination of the nature of explanatory competitionbetween historical accounts. It is usual for aphilosophy of explanation to attempt an analysis ofexplanation, singular. The focus of this work is onrelations between two or more explanations. Themethodology of Day's work is built upon a conceptionof descriptive philosophy: such that when attemptingto philosophise about a practice such as history, weshould pay detailed attention to existing goodpractice. To this end, Day's conclusions aredeveloped in conjunction with an examination of eightdiffering explanations of the French Revolution. Dayargues for, and analyses, two major types of relationbetween historical accounts: relations of exclusion,and of competition. In examining the nature ofexplanatory competition, Day develops a realistaccount of the nature of historical importance.