Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View

Parker, W.S.

doi:10.1086/708691

Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View

Parker, W.S.

Authors

W.S. Parker

Abstract

According to an adequacy-for-purpose view, models should be assessed with respect to their adequacy (or fitness) for particular purposes. Such a view has been advocated by scientists and philosophers alike. Important details, however, have yet to be spelled out. This paper attempts to make progress by addressing three key questions: What does it mean for a model to be adequate-for-purpose? What makes a model adequate-for-purpose? How does assessing a model’s adequacy-for-purpose differ from assessing its representational accuracy? In addition, responses are given to some objections that might be raised against an adequacy-for-purpose view.

Citation

Parker, W. (2020). Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View. Philosophy of Science, 87(3), 457-477. https://doi.org/10.1086/708691

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Sep 9, 2019
Online Publication Date	Jul 1, 2020
Publication Date	2020-07
Deposit Date	Sep 10, 2019
Publicly Available Date	Jun 26, 2020
Journal	Philosophy of Science
Print ISSN	0031-8248
Electronic ISSN	1539-767X
Publisher	Philosophy of Science Association
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	87
Issue	3
Pages	457-477
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1086/708691

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