Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Models as mediating instruments
- 3 Models as autonomous agents
- 4 Built-in justification
- 5 The Ising model, computer simulation, and universal physics
- 6 Techniques of modelling and paper-tools in classical chemistry
- 7 The role of models in the application of scientific theories: epistemological implications
- 8 Knife-edge caricature modelling: the case of Marx's Reproduction Schema
- 9 Models and the limits of theory: quantum Hamiltonians and the BCS models of superconductivity
- 10 Past measurements and future prediction
- 11 Models and stories in hadron physics
- 12 Learning from models
- Index
2 - Models as mediating instruments
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 March 2010
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Models as mediating instruments
- 3 Models as autonomous agents
- 4 Built-in justification
- 5 The Ising model, computer simulation, and universal physics
- 6 Techniques of modelling and paper-tools in classical chemistry
- 7 The role of models in the application of scientific theories: epistemological implications
- 8 Knife-edge caricature modelling: the case of Marx's Reproduction Schema
- 9 Models and the limits of theory: quantum Hamiltonians and the BCS models of superconductivity
- 10 Past measurements and future prediction
- 11 Models and stories in hadron physics
- 12 Learning from models
- Index
Summary
Models are one of the critical instruments of modern science. We know that models function in a variety of different ways within the sciences to help us to learn not only about theories but also about the world. So far, however, there seems to be no systematic account of how they operate in both of these domains. The semantic view as discussed in the previous chapter does provide some analysis of the relationship between models and theories and the importance of models in scientific practice; but, we feel there is much more to be said concerning the dynamics involved in model construction, function and use. One of the points we want to stress is that when one looks at examples of the different ways that models function, we see that they occupy an autonomous role in scientific work. In this chapter we want to outline, using examples from both the chapters in this volume and elsewhere, an account of models as autonomous agents, and to show how they function as instruments of investigation. We believe there is a significant connection between the autonomy of models and their ability to function as instruments. It is precisely because models are partially independent of both theories and the world that they have this autonomous component and so can be used as instruments of exploration in both domains.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Models as MediatorsPerspectives on Natural and Social Science, pp. 10 - 37Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1999
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