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Do good explanations have to be true? - Coggle Diagram
Do good explanations have to be true?
What makes a good explanation?
Concise
(Utilitarianism) Utility
Achieves the explainer's purpose
Inform
Persuade
Improves our lives
Knowledge
Appreciation
Clear
Aimed at target audience, e.g. University student vs. primary student
Truth
Theories of truth
Correspondence Theory of Truth
In accordance with fact and reality
Consensus Theory of Truth
When the majority agrees that something is true
Coherence Theory of Truth
In accordance with a system of propositions and beliefs
Pragmatic Theory of Truth
If it is useless it is not true
Metaphors
Untrue but helps the audience understand an explanation
Counterargument: Unspoken simile, not taken literally
Inability to obtain truth
Is truth flexible?
Is there such thing as absolute truth?
Limitations of technology
Possibility of an omnipotent being
AOKs
Natural Sciences
Evidence based truth
Disputed truths
Politicization of science
Selective Truth
History
Inability to obtain absolute truth
Biases
Arts
Different interpretations
Intentional fallacy
The artist's intention is irrelevant
Authorial Intent
The artist's intention is the only correct interpretation