Abstract
The epistemic value of models has traditionally been approached from a representational perspective. This paper argues that the artifactual approach evades the problem of accounting for representation and better accommodates the modal dimension of modeling. From an artifactual perspective, models are viewed as erotetic vehicles constrained by their construction and available representational tools. The modal dimension of modeling is approached through two case studies. The first portrays mathematical modeling in economics, while the other discusses the modeling practice of synthetic biology, which exploits and combines models in various modes and media. Neither model intends to represent any actual target system. Rather, they are constructed to study possible mechanisms through the construction of a model system with built-in dependencies.
Highlights
The philosophical discussion of models has had many beginnings, generating diverse analyses and targeting different kinds of models
As the idea that models give us knowledge by virtue of representation is so well established in the philosophy of science community, I will use two brief case studies to exemplify how one can explain the epistemic value of models without assuming that they represent actual target systems
The artifactual approach to modeling stands on two pillars: (i) the constrained construction of a model that is due to its intended use(s), and (ii) the representational tools used in producing a model
Summary
The philosophical discussion of models has had many beginnings, generating diverse analyses and targeting different kinds of models. There is one common theme, that ties much of this seeming heterogeneity together: representation. Philosophers of different orientations and philosophical commitments have considered, despite their diverging views, models as representational vehicles or even defined them on the basis of their representational function. Chakravartty, 2010; Giere, 2010; Teller, 2001). Conceiving of models as representations has not led to any noticeable consensus, the notion of representation itself engendering. This article belongs to the Topical Collection: EPSA2019: Selected papers from the biennial conference in Geneva Guest Editors: Anouk Barberousse, Richard Dawid, Marcel Weber
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