Towards a General Definition of Modeling

Podnieks, Karlis Towards a General Definition of Modeling. [Scientific Manuscript] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

What is a model? Surprisingly, in philosophical texts, this question is asked (sometimes), but almost never – answered. Instead of a general answer, usually, some classification of models is considered. The broadest possible definition of modeling could sound as follows: a model is anything that is (or could be) used, for some purpose, in place of something else. If the purpose is “answering questions”, then one has a cognitive model. Could such a broad definition be useful? Isn't it empty? Can one derive useful consequences from it? I'm trying to show that there is a lot of them.

Item Type:Scientific Manuscript
Uncontrolled Keywords:model, theory, model template, model-based picture of cognition, Dappled World, limits to modeling
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Divisions:University of Latvia > F1 Faculty of Computing
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ID Code:155
Deposited By: Prof. Karlis Podnieks
Deposited On:25 Nov 2010 10:28
Last Modified:06 Feb 2021 14:41

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