Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View

Parker, W.S.

Abstract

According to an adequacy-for-purpose view, models should be assessed with respect to their adequacy (or fitness) for particular purposes. Such a view has been advocated by scientists and philosophers alike. Important details, however, have yet to be spelled out. This paper attempts to make progress by addressing three key questions: What does it mean for a model to be adequate-for-purpose? What makes a model adequate-for-purpose? How does assessing a model’s adequacy-for-purpose differ from assessing its representational accuracy? In addition, responses are given to some objections that might be raised against an adequacy-for-purpose view.

Citation

Parker, W. (2020). Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View. Philosophy of Science, 87(3), 457-477. https://doi.org/10.1086/708691

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 9, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jul 1, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Deposit Date: Sep 10, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 26, 2020
• Journal: Philosophy of Science
• Print ISSN: 0031-8248
• Electronic ISSN: 1539-767X
• Publisher: Philosophy of Science Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 87
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 457-477
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/708691
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1287509