Theoretical Models

Achinstein, Peter

doi:10.1093/bjps/xvi.62.102

Cited by 38 publications

(15 citation statements)

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“…Achinstein emphasized four characteristics of models [27]: (1) they consist of a set of assumptions about some system; (2) they attribute mechanisms to the system, meant to explain exhibited properties; (3) they are an approximation useful for certain purposes; and (4) they are often developed on the basis of analogies between the represented system and some different system. In addition, the Bunge-Wand-Weber model stresses the importance of the ontological clarity of modeling language constructs, i.e., the clear association of a language construct with an ontological construct [28].…”

Section: Background 21 Model-based Systems Engineering (Mbse)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Domain-Specific Models to Facilitate Model-Based Systems-Engineering: Development Process Design Modeling with OPM and PROVE

Shaked

Reich

2021

Applied Sciences

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Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches are a step forward in the evolution of computer-aided engineering, and yet, they often incorporate deficiencies that may jeopardize their practical utility and usability, as well as the validity of the resulting models. We demonstrate how a domain-specific modeling approach can relieve some hurdles in adopting MBSE, and how it can be used in tandem with a general-purpose modeling approach to augment and introduce rigor to models. Specifically, we demonstrate the consequences of theoretical issues that were previously identified in Object Process Methodology and suggest an approach to solve them. We use a generalized case-study—derived from extensive process modeling in both academia and industry—to show that a domain-specific model can significantly relax the user’s modeling effort. This demonstration is based on two quantitative metrics: the number of representational elements and available modeling tactics. We discuss the contribution of our approach to model quality, particularly with respect to its rigor and communicability.

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Section: Background 21 Model-based Systems Engineering (Mbse)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Domain-Specific Models to Facilitate Model-Based Systems-Engineering: Development Process Design Modeling with OPM and PROVE

Shaked

Reich

2021

Applied Sciences

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“…If, in addition, modelers make the empirical claim that their analogical model is true of some economic systems, then they are also engaged in theoretical modeling. 18 16 Our term ''theoretical modeling'', though not unrelated, should not be confused with Achinstein's use of the term (Achinstein 1964(Achinstein , 1965(Achinstein , 1968). Achinstein uses the term within the context of the debate over scientific realism.…”

Section: Evolutionary Embeddednessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interdisciplinary modeling: a case study of evolutionary economics

Rice

Smart

2011

Biol Philos

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Biologists and economists use models to study complex systems. This similarity between these disciplines has led to an interesting development: the borrowing of various components of model-based theorizing between the two domains. A major recent example of this strategy is economists' utilization of the resources of evolutionary biology in order to construct models of economic systems. This general strategy has come to be called ''evolutionary economics'' and has been a source of much debate among economists. Although philosophers have developed literatures on the nature of models and modeling, the unique issues surrounding this kind of interdisciplinary model building have yet to be independently investigated. In this paper, we utilize evolutionary economics as a case study in the investigation of more general issues concerning interdisciplinary modeling. We begin by critiquing the distinctions currently used within the evolutionary economics literature and propose an alternative carving of the conceptual terrain. We then argue that the three types of evolutionary economics we distinguish capture distinctions that will be important whenever resources of model-based theorizing are borrowed across distinct scientific domains. Our analysis of these model-building strategies identifies several of the unique methodological and philosophical issues that confront interdisciplinary modeling.

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“…On the other hand, a model simplifies a physical situation by ignoring details that are thought 14 to be insignificant or unrelated to the inquiry. So, a model typically has some simplifying assumptions that are made (Achinstein, 1965), not because they are true (Nowak, 1972;Morton, 1993) but because they are convenient for modeling and for the scientific study. This kind of simplification provides a handle to the underlying knowledge of the subject.…”

Section: Scientific Study Elementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Scientific Study via Process Modeling

Luk

2010

Found Sci

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This paper argues that scientific studies distinguish themselves from other studies by a combination of their processes, their (knowledge) elements and the roles of these elements. This is supported by constructing a process model. An illustrative example based on Newtonian mechanics shows how scientific knowledge is structured according to the process model. To distinguish scientific studies from research and scientific research, two additional process models are built for such processes. We apply these process models: (1) to argue that scientific progress should emphasize both the process of change and the content of change; (2) to chart the major stages of scientific study development; and (3) to define "science".

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Theoretical Models

Cited by 38 publications

References 0 publications

Using Domain-Specific Models to Facilitate Model-Based Systems-Engineering: Development Process Design Modeling with OPM and PROVE

Using Domain-Specific Models to Facilitate Model-Based Systems-Engineering: Development Process Design Modeling with OPM and PROVE

Interdisciplinary modeling: a case study of evolutionary economics

Understanding Scientific Study via Process Modeling

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