Sloppy Models, Renormalization Group Realism, and the Success of Science Article Swipe
Related Concepts
Realism
Scientific realism
Epistemology
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Renormalization group
Philosophy of science
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Range (aeronautics)
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Mathematical economics
Physics
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D. Freeborn
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YOU?
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· 2023
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10670-023-00728-w
· OA: W4385699965
YOU?
·
· 2023
· Open Access
·
· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10670-023-00728-w
· OA: W4385699965
The “sloppy models” program originated in systems biology, but has seen applications across a range of fields. Sloppy models are dependent on a large number of parameters, but highly insensitive to the vast majority of parameter combinations. Sloppy models proponents claim that the program may explain the success of science. I argue that the sloppy models program can at best provide a very partial explanation. Drawing a parallel with renormalization group realism, I argue that it would only give us grounds for a minimal kind of scientific realism. Nonetheless, the program can offer certain epistemic virtues.
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