1st October 2015

Reflection 

From the previous weeks lesson, we were required to read up on a chapter ( e-book attached below  )  about providing explanations of a phenomena and how being able to provide explanations is a great achievement because explanations provide answers to questions of how it happens and why that phenomenon occurs and they generate curiosity to find out more.

( https://e.edim.co/76729303/chapter_3_explanation2.pdf?Expires=1443965453&Signature=kocbn-uyO9GqG-njWhlub-4DsD2sw~brTZoq~3RR-KUhFAMgaklhT02zNeSVgdW59KLI1GlG0oTT0LicVL3c8bpQpvkR9ZH~Mrd5DaZ0MqaVAJ6cIuencJKUw6GGOa1ObR1aH2RLjngDBSCeZ~tO1jDl-~a94lg80HSegYIETAWxnry5KkkCaNuN3yh7sCjrhbHlNxpkkReov37pOUFpupPE44bQ~IXDWlPfZEMCuTDnkcdOPYoRfkYaBUBhGTqUrqVBGYb1PeE9dxsstTb8n0OdpcI6MBQgOEz8vH6zZ9TrV~no8~Gd8Qv5oKM9tNPQc3BNRqPtzwWx0p~DoPlQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIJNVNRBLLSTGN23Q )

The chapter talks about the covering-law model where it is considered as a good explanation depending on how the explanation is formed rather than how it says. An example of this model is a scenario where a driver who is not familiar with the traffic and roads will observe that other cars stop at an intersection with a stop sign. The valid explanation for this is because there is a stop sign and the other cars are stopping because it is the law to stop at a stop sign. This is a good explanation because the law is understood and the conditions are attained therefore, this outcome can be predicted.

The previous model can also be referred to as deductive-nomological model (D-N model) of explanation. I have understood from this that nomological means it relates to law and deductive is used to describe the strict logical linkage between the law, the conditions and conclusion. This model shows that an explanation can be shown as arguments with premises and conclusions.

Furthermore, there are also amendments to be made for the covering - law model. The first improvement made was to include a measure of unification. Secondly, the amendment made to the model was to have an explanation that specifically includes causal laws and theories.

The one thing i need help with in this chapter would be a better understanding about the terms and models used because i’m not familiar with them yet therefore I would have to do more research and read up about it to understand it better. I will use this knowledge in the coming future to teach my students about how to derive an explanation. With this knowledge, I am also able to explain things in a more orderly manner by following the deductive-nomological model of explanation.

Learning artifacts :-

E-book : retrieved on 4/10/2015 ( pg 51 - 68 )
https://e.edim.co/76729303/chapter_3_explanation2.pdf?Expires=1443965453&Signature=kocbn-uyO9GqG-njWhlub-4DsD2sw~brTZoq~3RR-KUhFAMgaklhT02zNeSVgdW59KLI1GlG0oTT0LicVL3c8bpQpvkR9ZH~Mrd5DaZ0MqaVAJ6cIuencJKUw6GGOa1ObR1aH2RLjngDBSCeZ~tO1jDl-~a94lg80HSegYIETAWxnry5KkkCaNuN3yh7sCjrhbHlNxpkkReov37pOUFpupPE44bQ~IXDWlPfZEMCuTDnkcdOPYoRfkYaBUBhGTqUrqVBGYb1PeE9dxsstTb8n0OdpcI6MBQgOEz8vH6zZ9TrV~no8~Gd8Qv5oKM9tNPQc3BNRqPtzwWx0p~DoPlQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIJNVNRBLLSTGN23Q