Work

Looking for keys in model organisms: interpreting and keying-up in basal cognition

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this article, I analyse what epistemic operations are involved in extending model organisms to a novel research field. To this end, I draw on the DEKI account of scientific representation, and augment it by introducing the notions of "interpretation-" and "key-sketches". These refer to the incomplete and heuristically-justified mappings between models and targets that are initially constructed while the model is being developed for a particular use. I substantiate this proposal by analysing three case studies coming from the emerging research area of basal cognition, where stablished model organisms are adopted for novel uses in the context of neuroscientific research.

Source: History & Philosophy of the Life Sciences

DOI: 10.1007/s40656-026-00776-9

Author: Wiktor Rorot

Institutions: Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Polish Academy of Sciences

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

Estimated APC paid: $2,190

Funders: British Society for the Philosophy of Science, University of Exeter, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fundacja na rzecz Nauki Polskiej