Hempel Homework Assignment

Homework Assignment

Carl G. Hempel, "Studies in the Logic of Explanation"

Reading Questions

Please answer each of the following questions to the best of your ability. Write complete sentences - but be as concise as possible. You may use your text, lecture notes, and any other resources in completing this assignment. However, the answers you submit must be your own.

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1. What are the "essential characteristics" of a scientific explanation according to Hempel?

2. What is the difference (if any) between explaining a particular event ( i.e., why someting happens at a certain time and place) and explaining a general law or event (i.e., why something generally happens) according to Hempel?

3. Under what conditions is a scientific expanation "sound" according to Hempel?

4. Are Hempel's conditions for explanatory soundness necessary or sufficient, or both?

5. How does predictability function as a test for the "completeness" of a purported explanation according to Hempel?

6. What is the difference between explanation and prediction according to Hempel?.

7. What is Hempel's view of explanation in the non-physical sciences (e.g., psychology, economics, sociology, linguistics, etc. )?

8. What is a "law" according to Hempel?

9. What is a "purely qualitative predicate" according to Hempel?

10. Why does Hempel think that it is important to insist that fundamental lawlike sentences contain only "purely qualitative predicates"?