Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Philosophy of Science
Version
Author's Final Manuscript
Volume
80
Publication Date
2013
Abstract
Highly idealized models, such as the Hawk-Dove game, are pervasive in biological theorizing. We argue that the process and motivation that leads to the introduction of various idealizations into these models is not adequately captured by Michael Weisberg’s taxonomy of three kinds of idealization. Consequently, a fourth kind of idealization is required, which we call hypothetical pattern idealization. This kind of idealization is used to construct models that aim to be explanatory but do not aim to be explanations.
DOI
http://doi.org/10.1086/671399
Citation
Rohwer, Yasha and Collin Rice. 2013. "Hypothetical Pattern Idealization and Explanatory Models." Philosophy of Science 80.3: 334-355.