Historical Explanation

Abstract

<p>This thesis is an attempt to determine whether or not there is specifically "historical" explanation. The idea that historical explanation makes implicit use of general laws and is, hence, logically similar to scientific explanation, is examined and criticized In the process of working toward. an answer to the main problem, the concepts "cause", "explain", and "explanation" are examined, particularly in respect to their use in everyday language. Also, an attempt is made to determine what the criteria are for saying that X "explains".</p>