Frigg, Roman (2010) Models and fiction. Synthese, 172 (2). pp. 251-268. ISSN 0039-7857
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, Mimesis as make-believe: on the foundations of the representational arts. Harvard University Press, Cambridge/MA) 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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Official URL: | http://www.springer.com/philosophy/epistemology+an... |
| Additional Information: | © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. |
| Library of Congress subject classification: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) Q Science > Q Science (General) |
| Sets: | Departments > Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method Research centres and groups > Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science (CPNSS) |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Nov 2010 16:37 |
| URL: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/29995/ |
Actions (login required)
 |
Record administration - authorised staff only |
