Work

Scientific Inquiry: From Metaphors to Abstraction

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: In philosophy of science, abstraction tends to be subsumed under representation, often being described as the omission of a target’s features when it is represented. This approach to abstraction sidesteps cognitive aspects of abstraction processes. However, cognitive aspects of abstraction are important in understanding the role of historically grounded epistemic criteria supporting modeling in science. Drawing on recent work on the relation between metaphor and abstraction, we introduce the concept of paths of abstraction, and use historical and contemporary examples to point to their role in guiding the development of relevance criteria which support modeling strategies in science.

Source: Perspectives on Science

DOI: 10.1162/posc_a_00571

Authors: Natalia Carrillo, Sergio Martínez

Institutions: University of Vienna, Instituto de Investigaciones Filosóficas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and History of Science

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4292657199

FWCI: 8.65

Cites: 68

Cited by: 11

Related to: 10