An explanatory taste for mechanisms

Mechanistic explanations, according to one prominent account, are derived from objective explanations (Craver 2007, 2014). standards of explanation in turn pulled nature, and thereby insulated the values investigators, since is an objectively defined achievement grounded causal structure world This results closure mechanism’s explanatory standards—it values, norms goals investigators. I raise two problems with this position. First, it relies on several ontological claims which, while plausible, fail guarantee objectivity mechanistic degree certainty required. Second, Craver’s position itself introduces a value–laden standard—the 3M requirement (Kaplan & Craver 2011)—which undermines standards. show how practice part guided by taste, shorthand for background contextual that influence our explanation. Mechanism often has particular pragmatically-oriented taste control, gerrymanders order obtain it. conclude arguing objectivity, rather than being obtained through right set standards, better thought as result processes intersubjective criticism, which renders visible communities investigators allows them be controlled (Longino 1990).