Models of Science

The ArgumentIdealizations and approximations are an indispensable tool for the scientist. This paper argues that idealizations and approximations are equally indispensable for the philosopher of science. In particular, it is shown that the deductive model of scientific theories is an idealization in precisely the same sense that frictionless motion is an idealization in mechanics. By its very nature, an idealization cannot be criticized as not being absolutely true to the facts, for it need not be. Thus, the usual type of criticism levelled against the deductive model is shown to be irrelevant. The main step in the argument consists in using a logic of approximation to clarify the notions of approximate implication and approximate entailment, which are usually rejected as hopelessly vague. More generally, the conception underlying the paper is that the desiderata of science should be formulated in such a way that complying with them could be a matter of degree, and that pragmatic considerations could be taken into account. This conception is motivated by the wish to introduce some quantitative concepts in the philosophy of science, thereby bringing the philosopher's perspective closer to that of the scientist

Criticism · Epistemology · Idealization · Philosophy of science · Physics · Scientific theory · Chemistry · Computer Science · Epistemology, Ethics, and Metaphysics · Law · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Science and Climate Studies · Artificial Intelligence

• When is consensus knowledge based? Distinguishing shared knowledge from mere agreement

  Open Access•Boaz Miller•Synthese•2013

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• How the Laws of Physics Lie

  Nancy Cartwright•How the laws of physics lie•1983

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• The accuracy of predictions

  Open Access•Darryl W Miller, David Miller•Synthese•1975

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• Using Scott Domains to Explicate the Notions of Approximate and Idealized Data

  Open Access•Ronald Laymon•Philosophy of Science•1987

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