Synopses & Reviews
Review
"...describes how models in the sciences can act as automomous mediators between theory and the world, and uncovers the means by which models function as a source of knowledge." Journal of Economic Literature
Synopsis
Models as Mediators discusses the ways in which models are used in modern science, and eleven case studies analyse important modelling examples from the history of physics and economics. These models may be mathematical or diagrammatic or actual physical objects, and they are used by scientists to facilitate understanding both of theories and the world. The book fills a prominent gap in the philosophy of science literature by focussing on several aspects of modelling including such topics as function and construction of different types of models in different fields.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Introduction Margaret Morrison and Mary S. Morgan; 2. Models as mediating instruments Margaret Morrison and Mary S. Morgan; 3. Models as autonomous agents Margaret Morrison; 4. Built-in justification Marcel Boumans; 5. The Ising model, computer simulation, and universal physics R. I. G. Hughes; 6. Techniques of modelling and paper-tools in classical chemistry Ursula Klein; 7. The role of models in the application of scientific theories: epistemological implications Mauricio Suarez; 8. Knife edge caricature modelling: the case of Marx's reproduction schema Geert Reuten; 9. Models and the limits of theory: quantum Hamiltonians and the BCS model of superconductivity Nancy Cartwright; 10. Past measurement and future prediction Adrienne van den Bogaard; 11. Models and stories in Hadron physics Stephan Hartmann; 12. Learning from models Mary S. Morgan.