Models and Fiction
Frigg, Roman (2007) Models and Fiction.
Full text available as: |
Abstract
Most scientific models are not physical objects, and this raises important questions. What sort of entity are models, what is truth in a model, and how do we learn about models? In this paper I argue that models share important aspects in common with literary fiction, and that therefore theories of fiction can be brought to bear on these questions. In particular, I argue that the pretence theory as developed by Walton (1990) has the resources to answer these questions. I introduce this account, outline the answers that it offers, and develop a general picture of scientific modelling based on it.
| Keywords: | model, fiction, Walton, make-believe, pretence - pretense, truth in fiction, semantic view of theories, structuralist view of models |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | General Issues: Structure of Theories General Issues: Models and Idealization |
| ID Code: | 3805 |
| Deposited By: | Frigg, Roman |
| Deposited On: | 06 January 2008 |