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Appraising Non-Representational Models

Grüne-Yanoff, Till (2012) Appraising Non-Representational Models. In: UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

Many scientific models are non-representational in that they refer to merely possible processes, background conditions and results. The paper shows how such non-representational models can be appraised, beyond the weak role that they might play as heuristic tools. Using conceptual distinctions from the discussion of how-possibly explanations, six types of models are distinguished by their modal qualities of their background conditions, model processes and model results. For each of these types, an actual model example – drawn from economics, biology, psychology or sociology – is discussed. For each case, contexts and purposes are identified in which the use of such a model offers a genuine opportunity to learn – i.e. justifies changing one’s confidence in a hypothesis about the world. These cases then offer novel justifications for modelling practices that fall between the cracks of standard representational accounts of models.


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Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Grüne-Yanoff, Tillgryne@kth.se
Keywords: Models, Learning, Representation, How-Possibly Explanations, Heuristics
Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
General Issues > Thought Experiments
Depositing User: Dr Till Grüne-Yanoff
Date Deposited: 08 Nov 2012 02:06
Last Modified: 10 Nov 2012 15:02
Item ID: 9420
Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
General Issues > Thought Experiments
Date: 15 February 2012
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9420

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