Research Group
in Analytic Philosophy

Abstract

False models are very effective means of getting scientific understanding of natural phenomena, and have played an important historical role in the development of science, particularly biology, which is often regarded as a model-based science. Taking into account the different ways in which we can pursue this goal, one can distinguish between adjustable models, template models, non-denotative models and contrastive models. From a realist point of view, the most complex case is that of non-denotative models, whose ability to provide an understanding of the phenomena cannot be treated by means of a generic analysis, but must be considered on a case-by-case basis in order to be able to judge. Understanding, unlike knowledge, is not factive, at least in some cases. It does not presuppose that all of the beliefs involved in the understanding process must be true.