Abstract

Tryon has proposed the definition of a scientific explanation as an explanation that reduces uncertainty, and relates this to the reduction of statistical variance. Lamiell criticizes Tryon on several grounds, arguing that the reduction of criterion variance does not yield knowledge of the sort Tryon desires. This paper comments on Tryon's proposal, including his reply to Lamiell's criticisms. It is concluded that explanation as uncertainty reduction is a simple recapitulation of the Hempelian model of explanation at the theoretical level, and an erroneous conception of statistical epistemology at the methodological level. 2012 APA, all rights reserved)