Joshua Epstein

Paper #: 08-09-040

The modeling enterprise extends as far back as Archimedes, and so does its misunderstanding. This paper treats some enduring misconceptions about modeling; one of these is that the goal is always prediction. The paper distinguishes between explanation and prediction as modeling goals, and offers sixteen reasons other than prediction to build a model. It also challenges the common assumption that scientific theories arise from and “summarize” data, when often, theories precede and guide data collection; without theory, in other words, it is not clear what data to collect. Among other things, it also argues that the modeling enterprise enforces habits of mind essential to freedom.

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