27 May 2002, Dakje Is (^=), Jeremy Seligman

The use in science of sophisticated, complex models is widespread and yet the epistemology of science has focussed mostly on the relationship between theory and observation, to the neglect of modelling. Recent discussions of models have emphasised their autonomy and questioned the ability of previous epistemological views to account for their place in scientific practice. In this talk, I propose that we regard models as computational devices and then use algorithmic information theory to account for their use and their relationship to theory. The adoption of this perspective adds a twist to some familiar topics in the philosophy of science such as the distinction between realism and instrumentalism.

For more information on Jeremy, see http://www.arts.auckland.ac.nz/phi/staff/jeremy_seligman.htm