Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Logic) The statement or fact that is to be explained: In logic and the philosophy of science, the 'explanandum' is the specific phenomenon, event, or statement that requires an explanation. It is the thing to be explained.

Usage

• The 'explanandum' is the starting point of an explanation. It is what a theory, hypothesis, or argument aims to clarify or account for.
• It is often paired with its counterpart, the explanans, which is the set of statements or facts that the explanation for the explanandum.
• This term is primarily used in academic, scientific, and philosophical contexts when discussing the structure of explanations.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The sudden drop in the population of bees was the explanandum for the research team. (The drop in bee population was the fact that needed explaining.)
  • In his paper, he clearly distinguished the explanandum from the explanans. (He separated the thing to be explained from the explanation itself.)
  • A good scientific theory must successfully account for its explanandum. (A theory must correctly explain the phenomenon it addresses.)

Advanced Usage

• Logical Structure: In a formal explanation, the relationship is: Explanans (premises/facts) → Explanandum (conclusion/phenomenon). The explanandum is the logical consequence of the explanans.
• Plural Form: The plural is explananda, referring to multiple things that require explanation.
  • The study identified several key explananda for future investigation.

Variants and Related Words

• Explanans (n): The statements or facts that serve as the explanation for the explanandum.
  • The data from the experiment formed the explanans for the observed reaction.
• Explain (v): To make something clear or understandable.
• Explanation (n): The act or process of explaining; the statement that makes something clear.

Synonyms

• Phenomenon to be explained: A more common phrase with a similar meaning.
• Target of explanation: What the explanation is aimed at.
• Thing to be accounted for: The item requiring an account or reason.

Antonyms

• Explanans: The explanation itself, as opposed to the thing being explained.

Noun

1. (logic) a statement of something (a fact or thing or expression) to be explained