What Is the Use of Diagrams in Theoretical Modeling?

Science in Context 26 (2):345-362 (2013)
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Abstract

ArgumentThe use of diagrams is pervasive in theoretical physics. Together with mathematical formulae and natural language, diagrams play a major role in theoretical modeling. They enrich the expressive power of physicists and help them to explore new theoretical ideas. Diagrams are not only heuristic or pedagogical tools, but they are also tools that enable developing the content of models into novel implications.

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Anouk Barberousse
Sorbonne Université

References found in this work

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How models are used to represent reality.Ronald N. Giere - 2004 - Philosophy of Science 71 (5):742-752.
Models and fiction.Roman Frigg - 2010 - Synthese 172 (2):251-268.
The strategy of model-based science.Peter Godfrey-Smith - 2006 - Biology and Philosophy 21 (5):725-740.

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