Abstract
Models are one of the more important ways in which scientists and engineers understand and engage with the world. Philosophers of science have analyzed how modeling idealizes the world, helps explain events and supports our understanding. I advocate the study of models and modeling practice in engineering. I analyze two classic case studies on flush riveting and control volume analysis from Walter Vincenti as well as a set of models used in the evaluation of levee failures in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Engineers use a variety of different kinds of models and understanding how each model is used to guide understanding is worthwhile. Among the questions raised are how models guide processes of testing and design; what sorts of idealizations do engineers include in their models; and how do engineers use independent models to try to generate robust agreement between model results.
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Acknowledgements
I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Andrew Hamilton and the Program in History and Philosophy of Science at ASU for helping to shape my ideas and in editing the chapter. I am thankful for substantial comments from Edward Kavazanjian and for financial support from the WPE committee, CSPO and the Society for Philosophy and Technology to attend the WPE meeting.
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Pirtle, Z. (2009). How the Models of Engineering Tell the Truth. In: Poel, I., Goldberg, D. (eds) Philosophy and Engineering:. Philosophy of Engineering and Technology, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2804-4_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2804-4_9
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