Simulations, Models, and Theories: Complex Physical Systems and Their Representations
Simulations, Models, and Theories: Complex Physical Systems and Their Representations
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模拟、模型和理论：复杂的物理系统及其表示
DOI：
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发表时间：
2001
期刊：
影响因子：
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通讯作者：
Eric Winsberg
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Eric Winsberg
本文以红巨星星星对流结构的计算机模拟为例，论证了模拟是一个丰富的推理过程，而不是简单的“数字运算”技术。此外，模拟的科学实践为科学哲学提出了一些有趣和具有挑战性的认识论和方法论问题。我还认为，这些挑战最好由一种科学哲学来解决，这种科学哲学不太强调理论的代表能力（而是将这种能力归因于模型），而更强调理论在指导（而不是决定）模型构建中的作用。
Using an example of a computer simulation of the convective structure of a red giant star, this paper argues that simulation is a rich inferential process, and not simply a "number crunching" technique. The scientific practice of simulation, moreover, poses some interesting and challenging epistemological and methodological issues for the philosophy of science. I will also argue that these challenges would be best addressed by a philosophy of science that places less emphasis on the representational capacity of theories (and ascribes that capacity instead to models) and more emphasis on the role of theory in guiding (rather than determining) the construction of models.