Modeling in the museum: On the role of remnant models in the work of Joseph Grinnell |
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Authors: | James R Griesemer |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Philosophy, University of California Davis, 95616, CA, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Accounts of the relation between theories and models in biology concentrate on mathematical models. In this paper I consider
the dual role of models as representations of natural systems and as a material basis for theorizing. In order to explicate
the dual role, I develop the concept of a remnant model, a material entity made from parts of the natural system(s) under
study. I present a case study of an important but neglected naturalist, Joseph Grinnell, to illustrate the extent to which
mundane practices in a museum setting constitute theorizing. I speculate that historical and sociological analyses of institutions
can play a specific role in the philosophical analysis of model-building strategies. |
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Keywords: | Material models semantic view of theories natural history ecology evolution museums Joseph Grinnell |
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