selgitusjõudu

Selgitusjõudu is an Estonian term that translates to "explanatory power" or "power of explanation." It refers to the ability of a theory, model, or piece of evidence to adequately account for observed phenomena. In essence, it is a measure of how well something can clarify why events occur or why certain patterns exist.

The concept is fundamental in various fields, including science, philosophy, and even everyday reasoning. A scientific theory with high selgitusjõudu is one that can predict outcomes and explain past observations with accuracy and consistency. For example, the theory of evolution has high selgitusjõudu because it explains the diversity of life on Earth and the fossil record. Conversely, a theory with low selgitusjõudu might struggle to explain certain observations or make accurate predictions, leading to its revision or rejection.

In philosophy of science, selgitusjõudu is often discussed in relation to other desiderata for theories, such as simplicity and empirical adequacy. While empirical adequacy focuses on how well a theory fits the data, selgitusjõudu emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of the explanation provided. A more explanatory theory not only describes what happens but also offers insights into the underlying mechanisms or causes.

The practical application of selgitusjõudu involves evaluating the strengths of different explanations when faced with a complex situation. It encourages a critical assessment of information, favoring explanations that are logical, coherent, and supported by evidence, rather than those that are vague or rely on unsubstantiated claims. Ultimately, selgitusjõudu is about the robustness and effectiveness of an explanation in making sense of the world around us.