Abstract
Scientific research utilises models in many places, as instruments in the service of many different needs. The first requirement a study of model-building in science should satisfy is not to neglect this undeniable diversity (as has sometimes been done) 1), and, when recognising this multiplicity, to realise that the same instrument cannot perform all those functions (often the multiplicity of function is recognised but either not to a full extent, or not with respect to the difference of structure it implies) 2). We are going to mention some of the main motives underlying the use of models:
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
R. C. Braithwaite: The Nature of theoretical Concepts and the Role of Models in an advanced Science (Revue Internationale de Philosophie, 1954, fasc. 1–2).
M. B. Hesse: Models in Physics (British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 1954, pp. 198–214). E. H. Hutten: The role of Models in Physics (BJPS, 1954, pp. 284–301 ).
Rudolf Carnap: Introduction to Semantics, Harvard University Press, 1946.
John G. Kemeny: A New Approach to Semantics, Part I (Journal for Symbolic Logic, 1956 ).
For information about dimensional analysis, consult N. R. Campbell: Foundations of Science (ch. XIV and XV) and P. W. Bridgman: Dimensional Analysis.
For information about approximate geometry, consult Karl Menger: Rice Institute Pamphlets; 1940: Geometry without points, and the same author: Géométrie Générale, Mémorial des Sciences mathématiques, 1950.
A. Tarski: Contributions to the theory of Models (Proceedings Kon. Ned. Ak. Wet., 1954.
A. Ross Ashby: An Introduction to Cybernetics (Wiley 1957) pp. 102–109, ‘homomorphic machines’.
Paul Hertz: Principles of Mechanics (Dover Publ., par. 418–428 Dynamic jpodels).
Herbert A. Simon: Definable Terms and Primitives in Axiom Systems (The Axiomatic Method in Geometry and Physics, pp. 443–453).
Alfred Tarski: Logic, Semantics and Metamathematics (Oxford, 1956).
See Kemeny, op. cit. and Tarski, op. cit.
Tarski, Mostowski and Robinson: Undecidable Theories (Amsterdam, 1952).
Richard Martin: Toward a Systematic Pragmatics (Amsterdam, 1959).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1961 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Apostel, L. (1961). Towards the Formal Study of Models in the Non-Formal Sciences. In: The Concept and the Role of the Model in Mathematics and Natural and Social Sciences. Synthese Library, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-3667-2_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-3667-2_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-3669-6
Online ISBN: 978-94-010-3667-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive