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Not sure what you mean by "context". Most explanations have nothing to do with exculpation.

Well, I don't think I can make my explanation any clearer, Bill. All excuses are nothing but explanation, but not all explanations are excuses. It's the explanation's validity as an excuse which is up for question. That question can only be answered by context. If it weren't then all explanations of one's actions would be, by definition, excuses, and that's a nonsense!



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Yes, context is important - and so far as excuses v. explanations are concerned, it is, surely, the context of relationship?

An explanation is given to someone with whom you are co-operating (in one sense or another) in order that they may understand why a certain event has taken place (or failed to!) and be able to participate fully in whatever action or inaction is then appropriate.

An excuse is offered to someone who has power to "punish" you, in order to get yourself off the hook!


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Cap K sez: All excuses are nothing but explanation, but not all explanations are excuses.

Rhuby sez: An excuse is offered to someone who has power to "punish" you

Gotta more or less go along here. An excuse is an explanation of a screw up. Usually it is an attempt to deflect the blame.


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"Qui s'excuse, s'accuse" - to accept an explanation, you have to believe in causality, and to reject an excuse, you have to believe in free will.
And: why are so few explanations profferred for lucky outcomes?


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RousP may be on to something with mitigating factors as the operative part of explanation.



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And: why are so few explanations profferred for lucky outcomes?

Because, if I tell you how I managed to perform such a wonderful deed, you may well be able to do it as well or better than I, and maybe cheaper (no R&D costs!) so I may be out of a job!




#59381 03/04/02 04:58 PM
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The difference that is most focused upon 'round these parts is "reason -vs- excuse". People know the difference, but they are often used interchangeably:

A manager asked a supervisor "How come this job wasn't supervised". The supervisor said "Because I wasn't here that day". The manager said "Don't give me an excuse!". The supervisor said "I didn't! I gave you a reason".


#59382 03/05/02 05:40 AM
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The difference that is most focused upon 'round these parts is "reason -vs- excuse".
Sorry to disagree: A reason - even if given after the fact - differs from an explanation in that the latter disowns intent and responsibility for the causal chain involved.


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Sorry to disagree: A reason - even if given after the fact - differs from an explanation in that the latter disowns intent and responsibility for the causal chain involved.

An explanation does not have to disown intent or responsibility.

"Why were you late getting home?"
"Well, I thought I could stop at the mall to pick up something, but it took longer than I thought."

In this example, responsibility is being accepted but the rationale for the decision is being given. Excuse is the word I would use to descibe an attempt to weasel out of something.



#59384 03/05/02 12:32 PM
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An explanation does not have to disown intent or responsibility. ... Excuse is the word I would use to descibe an attempt to weasel out of something.

Yes ... but in certain marital situations no comment made can be an explanation, only an excuse.



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