Liu, Chuang (2013) Symbols versus Models. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper I argue against a deflationist view that as representational vehicles symbols and models do their jobs in essentially the same way. I argue that symbols are conventional vehicles whose chief function is denotation while models are epistemic vehicles whose chief function is showing what their targets are like in the relevant aspects. It is further pointed out that models usually do not rely on similarity or some such relations to relate to their targets. For that referential relation they reply instead on symbols (names and labels) given to them and their parts. And a Goodmanian view on pictures of fictional characters reveals the distinction between symbolic and model representations.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Liu, Chuang cliu@phil.ufl.edu
Keywords:	symbol, model, scientific representation, reference, denotation, conventional, epistemic, pragmatic
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User:	Chuang Liu
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2013 23:08
Last Modified:	05 Oct 2014 21:34
Item ID:	10025
Journal or Publication Title:	Australasian Journal of Philosophy
Publisher:	Taylor
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date:	2013
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10025

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• Symbols versus Models. (deposited 30 Sep 2013 23:08) [Currently Displayed]
  • Symbols versus Models. (deposited 05 Oct 2014 21:32)

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