Scientific Models and Decision Making

This Element provides an overview of the philosophical literature on models, with an emphasis on normative considerations relevant to decision-making. It examines the concept of model adequacy for purpose, the significance of using models that are not adequate for purpose, and establishes a framework for values in modelling. It concludes by establishing the need for strategies to manage value judgments in modelling, including the potential for public participation in the process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 82 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element introduces the philosophical literature on models, with an emphasis on normative considerations relevant to models for decision-making. Chapter 1 provides 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 modeling, 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 modeling, including the potential for public participation in the process.

Introduction:
Models are essential tools for understanding and making decisions in a wide range of fields, from science and engineering to policy and business. However, the use of models raises important philosophical questions about their validity, reliability, and ethical implications. This Element aims to introduce the philosophical literature on models, with an emphasis on normative considerations relevant to models for decision-making.

Chapter 1:
Chapter 1 provides an overview of core questions in the philosophy of modeling. It explores the following topics:

• What is a model?


• What are the purposes of modeling?


• What are the ethical considerations in modeling?


• What are the challenges in building and using models?

Chapter 1 will provide a foundation for the rest of the Element by introducing the key concepts and issues in the philosophy of modeling.

Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 examines the concept of model adequacy for purpose. It explores the following topics:

• What is the concept of model adequacy for purpose?


• How is model adequacy for purpose determined in practice?


• What are the criteria for evaluating the adequacy of a model for a particular purpose?


• What are the examples of models from the atmospheric sciences that demonstrate different approaches to model adequacy for purpose?

Chapter 2 will provide an in-depth exploration of the concept of model adequacy for purpose, using examples from the atmospheric sciences to illustrate different approaches to determining model adequacy.

Chapter 3:
Chapter 3 explores the significance of using models that are not adequate for purpose. It explores the following topics:

• What are the risks and benefits of using models that are not adequate for purpose?


• What are the ethical implications of using models that are not adequate for purpose?


• What are the strategies for managing the ethical challenges in building models for decision-making?


• What are the potential benefits of involving the public in the process of building and using models?

Chapter 3 will provide an in-depth exploration of the significance of using models that are not adequate for purpose, including the ethical challenges and strategies for managing them.

Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 provides a basic framework for values in modeling. It explores the following
following:

• What is the concept of values in modeling?


• What are the ethical principles that should guide the development and use of models?


• What are the ethical challenges in building models that incorporate values?


• What are the strategies for managing value judgments in modeling?


• What are the potential benefits of incorporating values into modeling?

Chapter 4 will provide a basic framework for values in modeling, including the ethical principles and strategies for managing value judgments.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Element introduces the philosophical literature on models, with an emphasis on normative considerations relevant to models for decision-making. Chapter 1 provides an overview of core questions in the philosophy of modeling, Chapter 2 examines the concept of model adequacy for purpose, Chapter 3 explores the significance of using models that are not adequate for purpose, and Chapter 4 provides a basic framework for values in modeling. The Element concludes by establishing the need for strategies to manage value judgments in modeling, including the potential for public participation in the process. By exploring these topics, this Element aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical literature on models and their implications for decision-making.

Weight: 147g
ISBN-13: 9781009014328