Credible worlds, capacities and mechanisms

Sugden, Robert (2009) Credible worlds, capacities and mechanisms. Erkenntnis, 70 (1). pp. 3-27. ISSN 1572-8420

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

This paper asks how, in science in general and in economics in particular, theoretical models aid the understanding of real-world phenomena. Using specific models in economics and biology as test cases, it considers three alternative answers: that models are tools for isolating the ‘capacities’ of causal factors in the real world; that modelling is ‘conceptual exploration’ which ultimately contributes to the development of genuinely explanatory theories; and that models are credible counterfactual worlds from which inductive inferences can be made. The paper argues that the ‘credible worlds’ account captures significant aspects of scientific practice, even if many modellers see their work as conceptual exploration.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Economics
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Economic Theory Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Behavioural and Experimental Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Competition Policy Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Behavioural Economics
Depositing User:	Gina Neff
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2011 11:09
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2023 00:52
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/18415
DOI:	10.1007/s10670-008-9134-x

Actions (login required)

View Item