PhilSci Archive

Mediating Objects. Scientific and Public Functions of Models in Nineteenth-Century Biology

Ludwig, David (2013) Mediating Objects. Scientific and Public Functions of Models in Nineteenth-Century Biology. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
 PDF
Download (1543Kb) | Preview

    Abstract

    The aim of this article is to examine the scientific and public functions of two- andthree-dimensional models in the context of three episodes from nineteenth-century biology. Iargue that these models incorporate both data and theory by presenting theoretical assumptions inthe light of concrete data or organizing data through theoretical assumptions. Despite their diverseroles in scientific practice, they all can be characterized as mediators between data and theory.Furthermore, I argue that these different mediating functions often reflect their different audiencesthat included specialized scientists, students, and the general public. In this sense, models innineteenth-century biology can be understood as mediators between theory, data, and their diverseaudiences

    Export/Citation:EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
    Social Networking:
    Share |
    Item Type: Preprint
    Keywords: Models as Mediators, Material Models, History of Embryology, Ernst Haeckel,Wilhelm His.
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Developmental Biology
    Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory
    General Issues > History of Science Case Studies
    General Issues > Models and Idealization
    Depositing User: Dr David Ludwig
    Date Deposited: 15 May 2013 17:15
    Last Modified: 15 May 2013 17:15
    Item ID: 9756
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9756

    Actions (login required)

    		 View Item

    Document Downloads