Models as Mediators: Perspectives on Natural and Social Science (Ideas in Context)

Mary S. Morgan

ISBN 10: 0521655714 / ISBN 13: 9780521655712

Published by Cambridge University Press 2009-03-09, 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780521655712

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Models as Mediators: Perspectives on Natural and Social Science (Ideas in Context)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press 2009-03-09
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521655714
• ISBN 13: 9780521655712
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Models as Mediators discusses the ways in which models function in modern science, particularly in the fields of physics and economics. Models play a variety of roles in the sciences: they are used in the development, exploration and application of theories and in measurement methods. They also provide a mechanism for using scientific concepts and principles to intervene in the world. The editors provide a framework that covers the construction and function of scientific models, and explore the ways in which they enable us to learn about both theories and the world. The contributors to the volume offer their own individual theoretical perspectives and cover a wide range of examples of modeling. These papers provide ideal case study material for exploring both the concepts and typical elements of modeling methods, using analytical approaches from the domains of philosophy and history of science.

Book Description

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.