All Models are False

But Some are Useful

Notes

This talk falls into three parts - the ordinary use of models, and how they work or don't work, how the absence of a model can delay science from proceeding, even when plenty of facts are available, and what might be called "the secret history of science" - how models transfer from one field to another, leading to breakthroughs; these categories have considerable overlap though. I'll close by giving you some conclusions, references and a final thought.

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