modellimism

Modellimism is a theoretical framework that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the limitations of both realism and idealism in philosophy, particularly in relation to the study of science, mathematics, and epistemology. The term was coined by philosopher Bas van Fraassen in his 1980 book *The Scientific Image*, though its development was influenced by earlier works in the philosophy of science, such as those of Thomas Kuhn and Karl Popper. Modellimism emphasizes the role of models—abstract, idealized representations—in scientific understanding and reasoning, arguing that scientific theories are best understood not as literal descriptions of reality but as tools for making predictions and explaining phenomena.

At its core, modellimism rejects the idea that scientific theories must correspond to reality in a direct or literal sense. Instead, it posits that theories are constructed to serve specific purposes, such as generating testable hypotheses or simplifying complex systems. Models, whether physical, mathematical, or conceptual, are seen as provisional and context-dependent, designed to approximate aspects of the world under investigation rather than provide exhaustive truth claims. This perspective aligns with the empirical success of science, where theories like quantum mechanics or general relativity are accepted not because they perfectly mirror reality but because they effectively describe and predict observable phenomena.

Modellimism also critiques the notion of a single, unified "theory of everything," suggesting that scientific progress often involves the development of multiple, competing models that address different aspects of a problem. This pluralistic approach acknowledges that no single model can capture all dimensions of reality, and that scientific advancement may require the coexistence of diverse frameworks. The theory has implications beyond philosophy, influencing fields such as cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and even the social sciences, where modeling plays a crucial role in understanding complex systems.

Critics of modellimism argue that it may undermine the objective nature of scientific knowledge by downplaying the importance of truth correspondence. However, proponents counter that modellimism provides a more pragmatic and flexible account of how science actually operates, emphasizing practical utility over metaphysical absolutes. The framework continues to be discussed in debates about realism, anti-realism, and the nature of scientific explanation.