One could [[prediction|predict]] the height of a tree based on the length of its shadow at a specific time of day. Conversely, one could [[explanation|explain]] the length of a shadow based on the height of tree at the same time of day. It would be somewhat strange to flip these statements. That is because the height of the tree *causes* the length of the shadow, however the length of the shadow certainly does not cause the height of the tree. Explanation works best in the context of causality.