Models: Utility Without Truth

Philosophics — Philosophical and Political Ramblings · Apr 25, 2025 · 8m

This text critiques the nature and role of scientific models, highlighting the views of statistician George Box and philosopher Hilary Lawson. It explains that Box is known for the idea that all models are flawed but some are still useful, a concept he expressed by stating that scientists must be aware of significant errors in their models. The piece then presents Lawson’s more radical perspective, suggesting that models don't require truth to be effective and are merely pragmatic tools for interacting with an inherently unknowable reality. The text uses the historical example of celestial…