Author: Stephen M. Downes
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317298063
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 115
Book Description
Biologists, climate scientists, and economists all rely on models to move their work forward. In this book, Stephen M. Downes explores the use of models in these and other fields to introduce readers to the various philosophical issues that arise in scientific modeling. Readers learn that paying attention to models plays a crucial role in appraising scientific work. This book first presents a wide range of models from a number of different scientific disciplines. After assembling some illustrative examples, Downes demonstrates how models shed light on many perennial issues in philosophy of science and in philosophy in general. Reviewing the range of views on how models represent their targets introduces readers to the key issues in debates on representation, not only in science but in the arts as well. Also, standard epistemological questions are cast in new and interesting ways when readers confront the question, "What makes for a good (or bad) model?" All examples from the sciences and positions in the philosophy of science are presented in an accessible manner. The book is suitable for undergraduates with minimal experience in philosophy and an introductory undergraduate experience in science. Key features: The book serves as a highly accessible philosophical introduction to models and modeling in the sciences, presenting all philosophical and scientific issues in a nontechnical manner. Students and other readers learn to practice philosophy of science by starting with clear examples taken directly from the sciences. While not comprehensive, this book introduces the reader to a wide range of views on key issues in the philosophy of science.
Models and Modeling in the Sciences
Author: Stephen M. Downes
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317298063
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 115
Book Description
Biologists, climate scientists, and economists all rely on models to move their work forward. In this book, Stephen M. Downes explores the use of models in these and other fields to introduce readers to the various philosophical issues that arise in scientific modeling. Readers learn that paying attention to models plays a crucial role in appraising scientific work. This book first presents a wide range of models from a number of different scientific disciplines. After assembling some illustrative examples, Downes demonstrates how models shed light on many perennial issues in philosophy of science and in philosophy in general. Reviewing the range of views on how models represent their targets introduces readers to the key issues in debates on representation, not only in science but in the arts as well. Also, standard epistemological questions are cast in new and interesting ways when readers confront the question, "What makes for a good (or bad) model?" All examples from the sciences and positions in the philosophy of science are presented in an accessible manner. The book is suitable for undergraduates with minimal experience in philosophy and an introductory undergraduate experience in science. Key features: The book serves as a highly accessible philosophical introduction to models and modeling in the sciences, presenting all philosophical and scientific issues in a nontechnical manner. Students and other readers learn to practice philosophy of science by starting with clear examples taken directly from the sciences. While not comprehensive, this book introduces the reader to a wide range of views on key issues in the philosophy of science.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317298063
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 115
Book Description
Biologists, climate scientists, and economists all rely on models to move their work forward. In this book, Stephen M. Downes explores the use of models in these and other fields to introduce readers to the various philosophical issues that arise in scientific modeling. Readers learn that paying attention to models plays a crucial role in appraising scientific work. This book first presents a wide range of models from a number of different scientific disciplines. After assembling some illustrative examples, Downes demonstrates how models shed light on many perennial issues in philosophy of science and in philosophy in general. Reviewing the range of views on how models represent their targets introduces readers to the key issues in debates on representation, not only in science but in the arts as well. Also, standard epistemological questions are cast in new and interesting ways when readers confront the question, "What makes for a good (or bad) model?" All examples from the sciences and positions in the philosophy of science are presented in an accessible manner. The book is suitable for undergraduates with minimal experience in philosophy and an introductory undergraduate experience in science. Key features: The book serves as a highly accessible philosophical introduction to models and modeling in the sciences, presenting all philosophical and scientific issues in a nontechnical manner. Students and other readers learn to practice philosophy of science by starting with clear examples taken directly from the sciences. While not comprehensive, this book introduces the reader to a wide range of views on key issues in the philosophy of science.
Models and Modeling
Author: Myint Swe Khine
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400704496
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
The process of developing models, known as modeling, allows scientists to visualize difficult concepts, explain complex phenomena and clarify intricate theories. In recent years, science educators have greatly increased their use of modeling in teaching, especially real-time dynamic modeling, which is central to a scientific investigation. Modeling in science teaching is being used in an array of fields, everything from primary sciences to tertiary chemistry to college physics, and it is sure to play an increasing role in the future of education. Models and Modeling: Cognitive Tools for Scientific Enquiry is a comprehensive introduction to the use of models and modeling in science education. It identifies and describes many different modeling tools and presents recent applications of modeling as a cognitive tool for scientific enquiry.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400704496
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
The process of developing models, known as modeling, allows scientists to visualize difficult concepts, explain complex phenomena and clarify intricate theories. In recent years, science educators have greatly increased their use of modeling in teaching, especially real-time dynamic modeling, which is central to a scientific investigation. Modeling in science teaching is being used in an array of fields, everything from primary sciences to tertiary chemistry to college physics, and it is sure to play an increasing role in the future of education. Models and Modeling: Cognitive Tools for Scientific Enquiry is a comprehensive introduction to the use of models and modeling in science education. It identifies and describes many different modeling tools and presents recent applications of modeling as a cognitive tool for scientific enquiry.
Towards a Competence-Based View on Models and Modeling in Science Education
Author: Annette Upmeier zu Belzen
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030302555
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 317
Book Description
The book takes a closer look at the theoretical and empirical basis for a competence-based view of models and modeling in science learning and science education research. Current thinking about models and modeling is reflected. The focus lies on the development of modeling competence in science education, and on philosophical aspects, including perspectives on nature of science. The book explores, interprets, and discusses models and modeling from the perspective of different theoretical frameworks and empirical results. The extent to which these frameworks can be integrated into a competence-based approach for science education is discussed. In addition, the book provides practical guidance by outlining evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and promoting modeling competence. The aim is to convey a strong understanding of models and modeling for professions such as teacher educators, science education researchers, teachers, and scientists. Different methods for the diagnosis and assessment of modeling competence are presented and discussed with regard to their potential and limitations. The book provides evidence-based ideas about how teachers can be supported in teaching with models and modeling implementing a competence-based approach and, thus, how students can develop their modeling competence. Based on the findings, research challenges for the future are identified.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030302555
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 317
Book Description
The book takes a closer look at the theoretical and empirical basis for a competence-based view of models and modeling in science learning and science education research. Current thinking about models and modeling is reflected. The focus lies on the development of modeling competence in science education, and on philosophical aspects, including perspectives on nature of science. The book explores, interprets, and discusses models and modeling from the perspective of different theoretical frameworks and empirical results. The extent to which these frameworks can be integrated into a competence-based approach for science education is discussed. In addition, the book provides practical guidance by outlining evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and promoting modeling competence. The aim is to convey a strong understanding of models and modeling for professions such as teacher educators, science education researchers, teachers, and scientists. Different methods for the diagnosis and assessment of modeling competence are presented and discussed with regard to their potential and limitations. The book provides evidence-based ideas about how teachers can be supported in teaching with models and modeling implementing a competence-based approach and, thus, how students can develop their modeling competence. Based on the findings, research challenges for the future are identified.
Model Based Inference in the Life Sciences
Author: David R. Anderson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387740759
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 203
Book Description
This textbook introduces a science philosophy called "information theoretic" based on Kullback-Leibler information theory. It focuses on a science philosophy based on "multiple working hypotheses" and statistical models to represent them. The text is written for people new to the information-theoretic approaches to statistical inference, whether graduate students, post-docs, or professionals. Readers are however expected to have a background in general statistical principles, regression analysis, and some exposure to likelihood methods. This is not an elementary text as it assumes reasonable competence in modeling and parameter estimation.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387740759
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 203
Book Description
This textbook introduces a science philosophy called "information theoretic" based on Kullback-Leibler information theory. It focuses on a science philosophy based on "multiple working hypotheses" and statistical models to represent them. The text is written for people new to the information-theoretic approaches to statistical inference, whether graduate students, post-docs, or professionals. Readers are however expected to have a background in general statistical principles, regression analysis, and some exposure to likelihood methods. This is not an elementary text as it assumes reasonable competence in modeling and parameter estimation.
Similarity and Modeling in Science and Engineering
Author: Josef Kuneš
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1907343776
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 451
Book Description
The present text sets itself in relief to other titles on the subject in that it addresses the means and methodologies versus a narrow specific-task oriented approach. Concepts and their developments which evolved to meet the changing needs of applications are addressed. This approach provides the reader with a general tool-box to apply to their specific needs. Two important tools are presented: dimensional analysis and the similarity analysis methods. The fundamental point of view, enabling one to sort all models, is that of information flux between a model and an original expressed by the similarity and abstraction Each chapter includes original examples and applications. In this respect, the models can be divided into several groups. The following models are dealt with separately by chapter; mathematical and physical models, physical analogues, deterministic, stochastic, and cybernetic computer models. The mathematical models are divided into asymptotic and phenomenological models. The phenomenological models, which can also be called experimental, are usually the result of an experiment on an complex object or process. The variable dimensionless quantities contain information about the real state of boundary conditions, parameter (non-linearity) changes, and other factors. With satisfactory measurement accuracy and experimental strategy, such models are highly credible and can be used, for example in control systems.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1907343776
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 451
Book Description
The present text sets itself in relief to other titles on the subject in that it addresses the means and methodologies versus a narrow specific-task oriented approach. Concepts and their developments which evolved to meet the changing needs of applications are addressed. This approach provides the reader with a general tool-box to apply to their specific needs. Two important tools are presented: dimensional analysis and the similarity analysis methods. The fundamental point of view, enabling one to sort all models, is that of information flux between a model and an original expressed by the similarity and abstraction Each chapter includes original examples and applications. In this respect, the models can be divided into several groups. The following models are dealt with separately by chapter; mathematical and physical models, physical analogues, deterministic, stochastic, and cybernetic computer models. The mathematical models are divided into asymptotic and phenomenological models. The phenomenological models, which can also be called experimental, are usually the result of an experiment on an complex object or process. The variable dimensionless quantities contain information about the real state of boundary conditions, parameter (non-linearity) changes, and other factors. With satisfactory measurement accuracy and experimental strategy, such models are highly credible and can be used, for example in control systems.
Modeling Theory in Science Education
Author: Ibrahim A. Halloun
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402021402
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
This book is the culmination of over twenty years of work toward a pedagogical theory that promotes experiential learning of model-laden theory and inquiry in science. The book focuses as much on course content as on instruction and learning methodology, presenting practical aspects that have repeatedly demonstrated their value in fostering meaningful and equitable learning of physics and other science courses at the secondary school and college levels.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402021402
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
This book is the culmination of over twenty years of work toward a pedagogical theory that promotes experiential learning of model-laden theory and inquiry in science. The book focuses as much on course content as on instruction and learning methodology, presenting practical aspects that have repeatedly demonstrated their value in fostering meaningful and equitable learning of physics and other science courses at the secondary school and college levels.
Formal Modeling in Social Science
Author: Carol Mershon
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
ISBN: 0472054236
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 257
Book Description
A formal model in the social sciences builds explanations when it structures the reasoning underlying a theoretical argument, opens venues for controlled experimentation, and can lead to hypotheses. Yet more importantly, models evaluate theory, build theory, and enhance conjectures. Formal Modeling in Social Science addresses the varied helpful roles of formal models and goes further to take up more fundamental considerations of epistemology and methodology. The authors integrate the exposition of the epistemology and the methodology of modeling and argue that these two reinforce each other. They illustrate the process of designing an original model suited to the puzzle at hand, using multiple methods in diverse substantive areas of inquiry. The authors also emphasize the crucial, though underappreciated, role of a narrative in the progression from theory to model. Transparency of assumptions and steps in a model means that any analyst will reach equivalent predictions whenever she replicates the argument. Hence, models enable theoretical replication, essential in the accumulation of knowledge. Formal Modeling in Social Science speaks to scholars in different career stages and disciplines and with varying expertise in modeling.
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
ISBN: 0472054236
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 257
Book Description
A formal model in the social sciences builds explanations when it structures the reasoning underlying a theoretical argument, opens venues for controlled experimentation, and can lead to hypotheses. Yet more importantly, models evaluate theory, build theory, and enhance conjectures. Formal Modeling in Social Science addresses the varied helpful roles of formal models and goes further to take up more fundamental considerations of epistemology and methodology. The authors integrate the exposition of the epistemology and the methodology of modeling and argue that these two reinforce each other. They illustrate the process of designing an original model suited to the puzzle at hand, using multiple methods in diverse substantive areas of inquiry. The authors also emphasize the crucial, though underappreciated, role of a narrative in the progression from theory to model. Transparency of assumptions and steps in a model means that any analyst will reach equivalent predictions whenever she replicates the argument. Hence, models enable theoretical replication, essential in the accumulation of knowledge. Formal Modeling in Social Science speaks to scholars in different career stages and disciplines and with varying expertise in modeling.
Model-Based Reasoning in Scientific Discovery
Author: L. Magnani
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780306462924
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 366
Book Description
The volume is based on the papers that were presented at the Interna tional Conference Model-Based Reasoning in Scientific Discovery (MBR'98), held at the Collegio Ghislieri, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy, in December 1998. The papers explore how scientific thinking uses models and explanatory reasoning to produce creative changes in theories and concepts. The study of diagnostic, visual, spatial, analogical, and temporal rea soning has demonstrated that there are many ways of performing intelligent and creative reasoning that cannot be described with the help only of tradi tional notions of reasoning such as classical logic. Traditional accounts of scientific reasoning have restricted the notion of reasoning primarily to de ductive and inductive arguments. Understanding the contribution of model ing practices to discovery and conceptual change in science requires ex panding scientific reasoning to include complex forms of creative reasoning that are not always successful and can lead to incorrect solutions. The study of these heuristic ways of reasoning is situated at the crossroads of philoso phy, artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, and logic; that is, at the heart of cognitive science. There are several key ingredients common to the various forms of model based reasoning to be considered in this book. The models are intended as in terpretations of target physical systems, processes, phenomena, or situations. The models are retrieved or constructed on the basis of potentially satisfying salient constraints of the target domain.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780306462924
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 366
Book Description
The volume is based on the papers that were presented at the Interna tional Conference Model-Based Reasoning in Scientific Discovery (MBR'98), held at the Collegio Ghislieri, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy, in December 1998. The papers explore how scientific thinking uses models and explanatory reasoning to produce creative changes in theories and concepts. The study of diagnostic, visual, spatial, analogical, and temporal rea soning has demonstrated that there are many ways of performing intelligent and creative reasoning that cannot be described with the help only of tradi tional notions of reasoning such as classical logic. Traditional accounts of scientific reasoning have restricted the notion of reasoning primarily to de ductive and inductive arguments. Understanding the contribution of model ing practices to discovery and conceptual change in science requires ex panding scientific reasoning to include complex forms of creative reasoning that are not always successful and can lead to incorrect solutions. The study of these heuristic ways of reasoning is situated at the crossroads of philoso phy, artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, and logic; that is, at the heart of cognitive science. There are several key ingredients common to the various forms of model based reasoning to be considered in this book. The models are intended as in terpretations of target physical systems, processes, phenomena, or situations. The models are retrieved or constructed on the basis of potentially satisfying salient constraints of the target domain.
Springer Handbook of Model-Based Science
Author: Lorenzo Magnani
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319305263
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1179
Book Description
This handbook offers the first comprehensive reference guide to the interdisciplinary field of model-based reasoning. It highlights the role of models as mediators between theory and experimentation, and as educational devices, as well as their relevance in testing hypotheses and explanatory functions. The Springer Handbook merges philosophical, cognitive and epistemological perspectives on models with the more practical needs related to the application of this tool across various disciplines and practices. The result is a unique, reliable source of information that guides readers toward an understanding of different aspects of model-based science, such as the theoretical and cognitive nature of models, as well as their practical and logical aspects. The inferential role of models in hypothetical reasoning, abduction and creativity once they are constructed, adopted, and manipulated for different scientific and technological purposes is also discussed. Written by a group of internationally renowned experts in philosophy, the history of science, general epistemology, mathematics, cognitive and computer science, physics and life sciences, as well as engineering, architecture, and economics, this Handbook uses numerous diagrams, schemes and other visual representations to promote a better understanding of the concepts. This also makes it highly accessible to an audience of scholars and students with different scientific backgrounds. All in all, the Springer Handbook of Model-Based Science represents the definitive application-oriented reference guide to the interdisciplinary field of model-based reasoning.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319305263
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1179
Book Description
This handbook offers the first comprehensive reference guide to the interdisciplinary field of model-based reasoning. It highlights the role of models as mediators between theory and experimentation, and as educational devices, as well as their relevance in testing hypotheses and explanatory functions. The Springer Handbook merges philosophical, cognitive and epistemological perspectives on models with the more practical needs related to the application of this tool across various disciplines and practices. The result is a unique, reliable source of information that guides readers toward an understanding of different aspects of model-based science, such as the theoretical and cognitive nature of models, as well as their practical and logical aspects. The inferential role of models in hypothetical reasoning, abduction and creativity once they are constructed, adopted, and manipulated for different scientific and technological purposes is also discussed. Written by a group of internationally renowned experts in philosophy, the history of science, general epistemology, mathematics, cognitive and computer science, physics and life sciences, as well as engineering, architecture, and economics, this Handbook uses numerous diagrams, schemes and other visual representations to promote a better understanding of the concepts. This also makes it highly accessible to an audience of scholars and students with different scientific backgrounds. All in all, the Springer Handbook of Model-Based Science represents the definitive application-oriented reference guide to the interdisciplinary field of model-based reasoning.
Scientific Modeling and Simulations
Author: Sidney Yip
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402097417
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Although computational modeling and simulation of material deformation was initiated with the study of structurally simple materials and inert environments, there is an increasing demand for predictive simulation of more realistic material structure and physical conditions. In particular, it is recognized that applied mechanical force can plausibly alter chemical reactions inside materials or at material interfaces, though the fundamental reasons for this chemomechanical coupling are studied in a material-speci c manner. Atomistic-level s- ulations can provide insight into the unit processes that facilitate kinetic reactions within complex materials, but the typical nanosecond timescales of such simulations are in contrast to the second-scale to hour-scale timescales of experimentally accessible or technologically relevant timescales. Further, in complex materials these key unit processes are “rare events” due to the high energy barriers associated with those processes. Examples of such rare events include unbinding between two proteins that tether biological cells to extracellular materials [1], unfolding of complex polymers, stiffness and bond breaking in amorphous glass bers and gels [2], and diffusive hops of point defects within crystalline alloys [3].
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402097417
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Although computational modeling and simulation of material deformation was initiated with the study of structurally simple materials and inert environments, there is an increasing demand for predictive simulation of more realistic material structure and physical conditions. In particular, it is recognized that applied mechanical force can plausibly alter chemical reactions inside materials or at material interfaces, though the fundamental reasons for this chemomechanical coupling are studied in a material-speci c manner. Atomistic-level s- ulations can provide insight into the unit processes that facilitate kinetic reactions within complex materials, but the typical nanosecond timescales of such simulations are in contrast to the second-scale to hour-scale timescales of experimentally accessible or technologically relevant timescales. Further, in complex materials these key unit processes are “rare events” due to the high energy barriers associated with those processes. Examples of such rare events include unbinding between two proteins that tether biological cells to extracellular materials [1], unfolding of complex polymers, stiffness and bond breaking in amorphous glass bers and gels [2], and diffusive hops of point defects within crystalline alloys [3].