Article/Publication Details

Ideal-Model Descriptions and Truth

Organon F, 2017, vol. 24, Supplementary Issue 1, pp. 123-131.
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Abstract

In scientific practice, we find ideal models that rely on a sort of idealization. These ideal-model descriptions are usually construed as distorted representations of some real system. As such, the ideal-model descriptions count as appeals to (scientific) fictions. Here, I present a category of ideal-model descriptions which – even though involving some idealization assumptions – are nevertheless true. These cases come out as puzzling though. On the one hand, they presuppose some misrepresentations of an intended target system; on the other hand, they are true of that target system.

Keywords

ideal-model descriptions, Idealization assumptions, material implication, models, truth

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