THE EXPLANATION BEHIND THE EXPLANATION
Curiosity.
With the workings shown.
A surprising fact is a beginning. Understanding why it happens means looking carefully at the evidence.
Follow the trail.
Our aim is to make interesting explanations clear without making them sound more certain than the evidence allows. Each finished episode will have a home for its sources, useful context and any later corrections.
Go back to the research.
Where possible, start with the original research, historical record or technical explanation. The source notes should show which part of the story each reference supports.
Keep the context.
A useful explanation includes its limits. We’ll distinguish established findings, reasonable interpretations and questions that remain open.
Make changes visible.
If we make a mistake, or new evidence changes the explanation, we’ll say what changed and why. An update should help people understand the difference.
Spotted something?
Corrections and useful sources are welcome. Send the episode title, the point you’re asking about and a link to the evidence if you have one.
A note on the illustrations
Animation and diagrams help tell the story. They are explanations of the evidence, not evidence by themselves. Illustrations for forthcoming episodes are development concepts until the research is complete.
What have you always
wondered about?
Questions, corrections or a good connection.
hello@explainswhy.com