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Scientific Models
Article first published online: 10 NOV 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2011.00441.x
© 2011 The Author. Philosophy Compass © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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How to Cite
Downes, S. M. (2011), Scientific Models. Philosophy Compass, 6: 757–764. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2011.00441.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 NOV 2011
- Article first published online: 10 NOV 2011
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Abstract
This contribution provides an assessment of the epistemological role of scientific models. The prevalent view that all scientific models are representations of (part of) the world is rejected. This view points to a unified way of resolving epistemic issues for scientific models. The emerging consensus in philosophy of science that models have many different epistemic roles in science is presented and defended.