An Explanation

Professor George Smoot's Physics 10 Class

An explanation of an observation an effect can take many forms. For example we consider the demonstration of the plastic bag rising when held over a flame.

• Animistic Answer: It is alive (all things are) and it floats up to get away from the heat. (does something in response to the stimulation).
• Magical - the Professor knows the magic words to make it rise (do whastever).
• Miracle - the behaviour contradicts the natural order.
• Theistic: The will of God - explains everything and nothing
• Teleological: It is the Nature of warm air to rise. (Teleological: Directed toware a definite end. Having an ultimate purpose.) - look for explanations that have more power
• Empirical: based upon experience and observations