Scientific Representation

Suárez, Mauricio (2009) Scientific Representation.

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Abstract

Scientific representation is currently a booming topic, both in analytical philosophy and in history and philosophy of science. The analytical inquiry attempts to come to terms with the relation between theory and world; while historians and philosophers of science aim to develop an account of the practice of model building in the sciences. This article provides a review of recent work within both traditions, and ultimately argues for a practice-based account of the means employed by scientists to effectively achieve representations in the modelling sciences.

Keywords:Representation, Models, Idealization, Pragmatism
Subjects:General Issues: Models and Idealization
General Issues: History of Philosophy of Science
ID Code:4921
Deposited By:Suárez, Mauricio
Deposited On:01 October 2009
Additional Information:To appear in Philosophy Compass, Blackwell:
http://www.blackwell-compass.com/subject/philosophy/