Inference and Representation: A Study in Modeling Science

Mauricio Suárez presents a comprehensive defense of an inferential conception of scientific representation, using examples from art and epistemology. He argues for pluralism regarding representation means and minimalism regarding constituents, demonstrating that scientists employ a variety of modeling relations to assess accuracy. The book explores the implications of this conception beyond scientific modeling, comparing it to debates about artistic representation and philosophical thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Mauricio Suárez presents a groundbreaking defense of an inferential conception of scientific representation, encompassing applications in art and epistemology. He delves into the historical and methodological aspects of model building, tracing the emergence of the modeling attitude during the nineteenth and fin de siècle periods. Through a comprehensive analysis of prominent cases of models from both historical and contemporary contexts, Suárez establishes a framework for understanding representation. He challenges reductive naturalist theories and presents his own account, advocating for pluralism regarding the means of representation and minimalism regarding its constituents.

Suárez demonstrates that scientists employ a diverse range of modeling relations to assess the accuracy of their representations. He argues that the constituent relation that encompasses these diverse means is not metaphysically deep but rather serves as a practical tool for scientific inquiry. The book extends the implications of Suárez's inferential conception beyond scientific modeling, exploring analogies with debates about artistic representation and philosophical thought over the past several decades.

Overall, "The Inferential Conception of Scientific Representation" offers a profound and innovative perspective on the nature of scientific representation, shedding light on its historical development, methodological considerations, and broader philosophical implications. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of science, art, and epistemology.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226830025