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Scientific Models and Decision Making

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2024

Eric Winsberg
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge and University of South Florida
Stephanie Harvard
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Summary

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.
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Scientific Models and Decision Making
  • Eric Winsberg, University of Cambridge and University of South Florida, Stephanie Harvard, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
  • Online ISBN: 9781009029346
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Scientific Models and Decision Making
  • Eric Winsberg, University of Cambridge and University of South Florida, Stephanie Harvard, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
  • Online ISBN: 9781009029346
Available formats
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Save element to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Scientific Models and Decision Making
  • Eric Winsberg, University of Cambridge and University of South Florida, Stephanie Harvard, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
  • Online ISBN: 9781009029346
Available formats
×