INDUCTION AND THE USE OF COMPUTER SIMULATIONS IN THE SCIENCE Cover Image

INDUKCIJA I UPOTREBA KOMPJUTERSKIH SIMULACIJA U NAUCI
INDUCTION AND THE USE OF COMPUTER SIMULATIONS IN THE SCIENCE

Author(s): Slobodan Perović, Aleksandra Zorić
Subject(s): Epistemology, Contemporary Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Published by: Filozofsko društvo Srbije
Keywords: induction; experiment; simulation; scientific models; underdetermination;

Summary/Abstract: In philosophy of science, inductive procedures have been predominantly analysed with respect to the induction of scientific theories based on the experimental and observational results. Over the last few decades computer simulations play as important, or even more dominant role compared to the experiments across scientific filds. Models of natural phenomena are tested and hypotheses induced based on the results of adequate simulations. They have gradually acquired importance in the scientific process traditionally reserved for experiments. We ask whether and to what extent philosophical understanding of the inductive process, as it has been traditionally developed through the analysis of scientific experiments and theories, can be properly applied to understanding such simulations. Another two classic questions posed by that dilemma are whether there is an underdetermination of simulated models by the results of simulations analogous to the one in traditional experimental research which was the subject of debate in the philosophy of science that lasted for decades, and whether simulations are theory laden.

  • Issue Year: 61/2018
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 59-71
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Serbian