Introduction to the edited volume “Scientific Understanding and Representation: Modeling in the Physical Sciences
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Insa Lawler, Assistant Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Successful science, it would seem, is an effective means of both understanding and representingthe empirical world. Although important antecedents can be found all the way back to theancients, it is somewhat surprising that these themes have gained prominence in the philosophyof science only recently, with most monograph-length books on either scientific understandingor scientific representation being published in the past decade.1 More surprising still is the sparse interplay between the literature on these two topics. Clearly, how a phenomenon is representedhas far-reaching ramifications for how it is understood. Consider, for instance, idealizations,such as frictionless planes, infinite populations, ideal gases, and rational actors. Idealizationsmisrepresent their target systems, yet they frequently provide a deeper understanding than more accurate representations. However, to develop this idea, more detailed accounts ofrepresentation and of understanding must engage each other. Otherwise, it remains mysteriousas to how a misrepresentation can provide a genuine understanding.
Introduction to the edited volume “Scientific Understanding and Representation: Modeling in the Physical Sciences
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Created on 12/21/2022
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Scientific Understanding and Representation: Modeling in the Physical Science
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- scientific understanding, representation, scientific modeling, physical sciences