# Mathematical Explanations

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.09413 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09413/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 23 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 31 Dec 2023.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Causal Sufficiency and Actual Causation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.02311/) (2021)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [A Counterfactual Cause in Situation Calculus](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.06857/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

A definition of what counts as an explanation of mathematical statement, and when one explanation is better than another, is given. Since all mathematical facts must be true in all causal models, and hence known by an agent, mathematical facts cannot be part of an explanation (under the standard notion of explanation). This problem is solved using impossible possible worlds.