Scientific Models and Decision Making

This Element introduces the philosophical literature on models, with an emphasis on normative considerations relevant to models for decision-making. Chapter 1 gives an overview of core questions in the philosophy of modeling. Chapter 2 examines the concept of model adequacy for purpose, using three examples of models from the atmospheric sciences to describe how this sort of adequacy is determined in practice. Chapter 3 explores the significance of using models that are not adequate for purpose, including the purpose of informing public decisions. Chapter 4 provides a basic framework for values in modelling, using a case study to highlight the ethical challenges in building models for decision making. It concludes by establishing the need for strategies to manage value judgments in modelling, including the potential for public participation in the process.

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. Adequacy for purpose; 3. Inadequacy for purpose; 4. Models and values; References.

Summary

This Element introduces the philosophical literature on models, with an emphasis on normative considerations relevant to models for decision-making. It establishes the need for strategies to manage value judgments in modelling, including the potential for public participation in the process.

Foreword

This Element introduces the philosophical literature on models, focusing on normative considerations relevant to models for decisionmaking.

Product details

• Authors: Stephanie Harvard, Eric Winsberg, Eric (University of Cambridge and Univer Winsberg
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.01.2024
• EAN: 9781009014328
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0901432-8
• No. of pages: 82
• Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Science
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / General, Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Computer modelling and simulation, Human coronaviruses, Climatology and climate modelling