On Munz’s Distinction between Explanation and Interpretation

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, I will explore Peter Munz’s philosophy of history and in particular, I will focus on Munz’s distinction between explanation and interpretation in history and the other social sciences. Among other things, I will attempt to show that its methodological implications have not been fully appreciated. Moreover, I will argue that Munz’s distinction offers a possible solution to some of the most outstanding problems in the social sciences, including the distinction between the natural and the social sciences (including history), and the role of causes vs. reasons in understanding agency.