The explanatory power of agency

Abstract

This chapter investigates the explanatory power of agency by examining different aspects of the term. Karl Popper and Stephen Toulmin are referred to as two extremes in the understanding of explanatory power. Instead of the Aristotelian distinction of explanations, the three types causal, intentional and functional explanations are applied as a basis for the discussion, which focuses on three perspectives on agency: (1) coagency, (2) transdisciplinarity and (3) the sign. The findings in this discussion are that the explanatory power is increased by means of the three perspectives. Yet the exactness is not necessarily reduced because the three perspectives bring in a specified context, a coordinated group of defined sciences and a deeper connection between meaning making and explanations.