Explanatory Power: Factive vs. Pragmatic Dimension

This chapter identifies two dimensions of explanatory power: one “factive,” having to do with how explanations relate to mind-independent reality, and one “pragmatic,” having to do with how explanations relate to us (as epistemic agents who use explanations to gain understanding). It argues that keeping these two dimensions in mind helps to better understand the explanatory role of idealisations and mathematics; the factivity of understanding; explanations’ realist commitments; and how “explanatory power” is best construed.