Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
acceptedVersion
Publication Date
2-2017
Abstract
Scientific models are frequently discussed in philosophy of science. A great deal of the discussion is centred on approximation, idealisation, and on how these models achieve their representational function. Despite the importance, distinct nature, and high presence of toy models, they have received little attention from philosophers. This paper hopes to remedy this situation. It aims to elevate the status of toy models: by distinguishing them from approximations and idealisations, by highlighting and elaborating on several ways the Kac ring, a simple statistical mechanical model, is used as a toy model, and by explaining why toy models can be used to successfully carry out important work without performing a representational function.
Discipline
Philosophy | Philosophy of Science
Research Areas
Humanities
Publication
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B
Volume
57
First Page
1
Last Page
7
ISSN
1355-2198
Identifier
10.1016/j.shpsb.2016.11.002
Publisher
Elsevier
Embargo Period
3-30-2021
Citation
LUCZAK, Joshua.(2017). Talk about toy models. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B, 57, 1-7.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3290
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsb.2016.11.002