Question

What is the difference between the mechanistic and unificationist views of explanation? (select all that apply) [hint: there are multiple correct answers; you need to select all and only the correct answers for full credit] Group of answer choices

Mechanistic explanations cannot be multi-level. Unificationist explanations can be multi-level. Mechanistic explanations are developed by filling in mechanism-schemas which, when completely filled in, explain a very specific kind of phenomena.

Unificationist explanations use a single pattern-schema to explain a wide range of different phenomena. Mechanistic explanations appeal to things that exist in the physical world: entities and activities.

Unificationist explanations appeal only to abstract models: schematic patterns exhibited by many different kinds of things in the physical world.

Mechanistic explanations are used primarily in biology. Unificationist explanations cannot apply to biological phenomena.

Answer 1

What is the difference between the mechanistic and unificationist views of explanation?

Mechanistic explanations are developed by filling in mechanism-schemas which, when completely filled in, explain a very specific kind of phenomena.

Unificationist explanations use a single pattern-schema to explain a wide range of different phenomena.

Mechanistic explanations appeal to things that exist in the physical world : entities and activities.

Unificationist explanations appeal only to abstract models: schematic patterns exhibited by many different kinds of things in the physical world.

Mechanistic explanations are used primarily in biology.

Unificationist explanations cannot apply to biological phenomena.