Let 'proximate wxplanations' be those scientific explanations that make
reference only to the 'being' of the universe as it is and to the extent
that we have empirical access to it--its properties, behavior patterns,
cause/effect relationships *within* the universe, etc.
Let 'ultimate explanations' be those explanations that attempt to answer
such metaphysical questions as, What is the *source* of the being that the
universe has? Why is the character of its being 'this' instead of 'that'?
Is there some purpose to the existence of the universe and for particular
character of the universe's being?
To employ the unqualified word 'explanation' for both of these, without
distinction, is likely to lead to confusion.
Howard J. Van Till