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Boon and Bane: On the role of Adjustable Parameters in Simulation Models

Hasse, Hans and Lenhard, Johannes (2016) Boon and Bane: On the role of Adjustable Parameters in Simulation Models. [Preprint]

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Abstract

We claim that adjustable parameters play a crucial role in building and applying simulation models. We analyze that role and illustrate our findings using examples from equations of state in thermodynamics. In building simulation models, two types of experiments, namely, simulation and classical experiments, interact in a feedback loop, in which model parameters are adjusted. A critical discussion of how adjustable parameters function shows that they are boon and bane of simulation. They help to enlarge the scope of simulation far beyond what can be determined by theoretical knowledge, but at the same time undercut the epistemic value of simulation models.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Hasse, Hans
Lenhard, Johannesjohannes.lenhard@uni-bielefeld.de
Additional Information: Accepted in Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science 327.
Keywords: feedback, parameterization, simulation modeling, thermodynamics
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Chemistry
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
General Issues > Technology
Depositing User: Johannes Lenhard
Date Deposited: 15 May 2018 13:41
Last Modified: 15 May 2018 13:41
Item ID: 14123
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Chemistry
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
General Issues > Technology
Date: August 2016
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14123

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