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Structural Modeling Error and the System Individuation Problem

Lawhead, Jon (2015) Structural Modeling Error and the System Individuation Problem. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Recent work by Frigg et. al.(2014a, 2014b) and Mayo-Wilson (forthcoming) have called attention to a particular sort of error associated with attempts to model certain complex systems: structural modeling error (SME). The assessment of the degree of SME in a model presupposes agreement between modelers about the best way to individuate natural systems, an agreement which can be more problematic than it appears. This problem, which we dub “the system individuation problem” arises in many of the same contexts as SME, and the two often compound one another. This paper explores the common roots of the two problems in concerns about the precision of predictions generated by scientific models, and discusses how both concerns bear on the study of complex natural systems, particularly the global climate.

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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Lawhead, Jonlawhead@usc.edu
Additional Information: Pre-print of forthcoming article in the British Journal of Philosophy of Science (before final referee revisions)
Keywords: structural model error, structural chaos, system individuation, climate science, complex systems, complexity
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Complex Systems
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User: Dr. Jon Lawhead
Date Deposited: 18 Mar 2016 02:54
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2016 02:54
Item ID: 11971
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Complex Systems
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date: 2015
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11971

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