# Understanding and the Facts **Keywords:** Understanding Exemplification Factive Model Idealization **Abstract:** If understanding is factive, the propositions that express an understand are true. I argue that a factive conception of understanding is unduly restrictiv neither reflects our practices in ascribing understanding nor does justice t temporary science. For science uses idealizations and models that do not mirror facts. Strictly speaking, they are false. By appeal to exemplification, I devise a m generous, flexible conception of understanding that accommodates science, refle our practices, and shows a sufficient but not slavish sensitivity to the facts. **Authors:** [[Catherine Elgin 2007]]