Models and Inferences in Science

The book answers long-standing questions on scientific modeling and
inference across multiple perspectives and disciplines, including logic,
mathematics, physics and medicine. The different chapters cover a variety of
issues, such as the role models play in scientific practice; the way science
shapes our concept of models; ways of modeling the pursuit of scientific
knowledge; the relationship between our concept of models and our concept of
science. The book also discusses models and scientific explanations; models in
the semantic view of theories; the applicability of mathematical models to the
real world and their effectiveness; the links between models and inferences;
and models as a means for acquiring new knowledge. It analyzes different
examples of models in physics, biology, mathematics and engineering. Written
for researchers and graduate students, it provides a cross-disciplinary
reference guide to the notion and the use of models and inferences in science.