Scientific Models and Adequacy-for-Purpose

Abstract

For much of the 20 century, philosophy of science focused on questions about theories. What are scientific theories? How can they be tested and confirmed? Should our best scientific theories be considered at least approximately true? What factors influence or determine theory change in science? In recent decades, however, more and more attention has been given to other facets of scientific practice, particularly experimentation and modeling, the latter spurred in part by the rapidly expanding use of computer simulation in science.