Programs, models, theories, and reality

The question “Are ‘biorobots' good models of biological behaviour?” can be seen as a specific instance of a more general question about the relation between computer programs and models, between models and theories, and between theories and reality. This commentary develops a personal view of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Behavioral and brain sciences 2001-12, Vol.24 (6), p.1055-1056
Main Author: Damper, Robert I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer programs
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The question “Are ‘biorobots' good models of biological behaviour?” can be seen as a specific instance of a more general question about the relation between computer programs and models, between models and theories, and between theories and reality. This commentary develops a personal view of these relations, from an antirealism perspective. Programs, models, theories and reality are separate and distinct entities which may converge in particular cases but should never be confused.
ISSN:0140-525X
1469-1825
DOI:10.1017/S0140525X01260129