Enlarging the possibility space for scientific model-based explanation

Two prominent views in the scientific explanation literature are: (1) that scientific explanations should be ontic or track causal or constitutive relations between the explanans and explanandum; (2) Idealizations in scientific models can be either epistemically dispensable or indispensable in principle. (1) manifests in the requirements which proponents of that view hold for scientific models to be deemed explanatory. Per these advocates, scientific models must not only track causal or constitutive relations but must include some mapping from the model components to the target system. (2) represents something like the current state of play for understanding the place of idealizations in scientific models and involves the longstanding issue of intertheoretic reduction. Idealizations can either be epistemically indispensable (that is not derivable from or reducible to) the relevant micro-level theory or epistemically dispensable in principle. The following project aims to rebut both of these views, thereby seeking to enlarge the possibility space for scientific explanation. For this reason, this project gestures towards and develops new dimensions for scientific model-based explanation. Pace (1), there are many scientific models which do not track ontic or causal relations but are nevertheless explanatory. The first chapter considers a cognitive dynamical model --the HKB model of bimanual coordination-- which fails these requirements for explanation but is one which I claim can still be shown to be explanatory. This represents a promising bit of evidence which can be marshalled and directed against this commitment. Along the lines of (1), proponents of this requirement claim that scientific models must be ontic or risk facing a problematic "directionality problem." The second chapter provides a route of response for the advocate of non-ontic scientific explanations, demonstrating how this problem can be resolved along pragmatic lines. Finally, the partition of the possibility space for understanding the role of idealizations in scientific models encapsulated in (2) is challenged in the third chapter. Therein, a certain species of idealization -continuum idealizations- are discussed and a pragmatic and deflationary approach to the issue of intertheoretic reduction is argued for. These chapters all serve to demonstrate countervailing considerations which, if successful, act as important challenges for the veracity of both (1) and (2). Rather than achieving a mere refutation of these commitments, the success of this project calls for a re-imagining and enlargement of the possibility space for scientific model-based explanations.Includes bibliographical references

Controlling realism and uncertainty in reservoir models using intelligent sedimentological prior information

Forecasting reservoir production has a large associated uncertainty, since this is the final part of a very complex process, this process is based on sparse and indirect data measurements. One the methodologies used in the oil industry to predict reservoir production is based on the Baye’s theorem. Baye’s theorem applied to reservoir forecasting, samples parameters from a prior understanding of the uncertainty to generate reservoir models and updates this prior information by comparing reservoir production data with model production response. In automatic history matching it is challenging to generate reservoir models that preserve geological realism (obtain reservoir models with geological features that have been seen in nature). One way to control the geological realism in reservoir models is by controlling the realism of the geological prior information. The aim of this thesis is to encapsulate sedimentological information in order to build prior information that can control the geological realism of the history-matched models. This “intelligent” prior information is introduced into the automatic history-matching framework rejecting geologically unrealistic reservoir models. Machine Learning Techniques (MLT) were used to build realistic sedimentological prior information models. Another goal of this thesis was to include geological parameters into the automatic history-match framework that have an impact on reservoir model performance: vertical variation of facies proportions, connectivity of geobodies, and the use of multiple training images as a source of realistic sedimentological prior information. The main outcome of this thesis is that the use of “intelligent” sedimentological prior information guarantees the realism of reservoir models and reduces computing time and uncertainty in reservoir production prediction

Community and Identity in Contemporary Technosciences

This open access edited book provides new thinking on scientific identity formation. It thoroughly interrogates the concepts of community and identity, including both historical and contemporaneous analyses of several scientific fields. Chapters examine whether, and how, today’s scientific identities and communities are subject to fundamental changes, reacting to tangible shifts in research funding as well as more intangible transformations in our society’s understanding and expectations of technoscience. Authors: Karen Kastenhofer, Susan Molyneux-Hodgson, Clemens Blümel, Bettina Bock von Wülfingen, Béatrice Cointe, Carlos Cuevas-Garcia, Sarah R Davies, Alexander Degelsegger-Márquez, Juliane Jarke, Pierre-Benoît Joly, Marianne Noël, Benjamin Raimbault, Andrea Schikowitz, Sarah M. Schönbauer, Inga Ulnicane-Ozolina, Caitlin D. WylieDer vorgelegte Open Access Band befasst sich mit Identität und Gemeinschaft in den TechnoWissenschaften. Er widmet sich wesentlichen soziologischen Konzepten und präsentiert sowohl historische, als auch aktuelle Fallbeispiele, darunter Supramolekulare Chemie, Synthetische Biologie, Nanotechnologie und Nachhaltigkeitsforschung. AutorInnen: Karen Kastenhofer, Susan Molyneux-Hodgson, Clemens Blümel, Bettina Bock von Wülfingen, Béatrice Cointe, Carlos Cuevas-Garcia, Sarah R Davies, Alexander Degelsegger-Márquez, Juliane Jarke, Pierre-Benoît Joly, Marianne Noël, Benjamin Raimbault, Andrea Schikowitz, Sarah M. Schönbauer, Inga Ulnicane-Ozolina, Caitlin D. Wyli

Models for the representation of ecological systems? The validity of experimental model systems and of dynamical simulation models as to the interaction with ecological systems

Modelle leiten die Untersuchung ökologischer Phänomene und die Gestaltung von Mensch-Umwelt-Interaktionen. In dieser Arbeit werden Charakteristika, Begrenzungen und die wissenschaftliche und gesellschaftliche Rolle von experimentellen Modellsystemen (als bewährte Instrumente naturwissenschaftlicher Wissensproduktion) und von dynamischen Simulationsmodellen (als Vertreter relativ neuer Computermodelle) anhand von sechs Papern kritisch geprüft. Experimentelle Modellsysteme werden als materiell und konzeptionell geschlossene Systeme mit einer begrenzten Anzahl von Parametern beschrieben. Sie verfügen über eine materielle Komponente, die im Zuge der Messung festgelegter Parameter in ein formales (numerisches) System übersetzt wird. Die Übertragbarkeit der dabei gewonnenen Aussagen auf natürliche Systeme wird kritisch diskutiert. Dynamische Systeme - das Paradigma zur Repräsentation komplexer Systeme - ermöglichen die simultane Behandlung einer hohen Zahl von Parametern. Dynamische Systeme sind konzeptionell geschlossen und fußen auf der Vorstellung eines abstrakten Zustands ('Sein'). Dem stelle ich ein Bild von ökologischen Systemen als konzeptionell offenen Systemen ('Werden') entgegen, das die evolutionäre Offenheit ökologischer Systeme, die interne Produktion neuer Variablen und die Emergenz systemarer Eigenschaften hervor hebt. Am Beispiel des Stickstoffkreislauf und seiner anthropogenen Modifikation werden Modellansätze und Grenzen der Ableitung von Ursache-Wirkungsbeziehungen in ökologischen Systemen illustriert. Angesichts mangelhafter prognostischer Fähigkeiten von Simulationsmodellen, angesichts der Perspektivität bei der Identifikation 'relevanter' Phänomene und Parameter und unter Bezug auf neue Formen der Wissensproduktion (wie sie von der Wissenschaftsforschung beschrieben werden) wird der Versuch unternommen, die Rolle von Modellbildung und von Simulationsmodellen - v.a. für die gesellschaftliche Verwendung von Modellen - neu zu bestimmenModels guide the investigation of ecological phenomena and the managemant of man-environment interactions. Based on six papers, this thesis critically examines characteristic features, limitations and the scientific and societal role of experimental model systems (as well-tried instruments of knowledge production) and of dynamical simulation models (as representatives of relatively recent computer models). Experimental model systems are described as materially and conceptually closed systems with a limited number of parameters. They consist of a material component which is encoded into a formal (numerical) system through the measurement of defined parameters. The transfer of statements derived from model systems to natural systems is critically discussed. Dynamical systems - the paradigm for the representation of ecosystems - permit the simultaneous handling of a large number of parameters. Dynamical systems are conceptually closed systems and are based on the notion of an abstract state (focussing on 'being'). I contrast this view with an image of ecosystems as conceptually open systems ('becoming') which emphasizes the evolutionary openness of ecological systems, the internal production of novelty, and the emergence of system level properties. Taking the nitrogen cycle and its human alterations as an example, model concepts and limitations to the derivation of cause-effect-relationships in ecological systems are illustrated. Acknowledging the limited predictive capacity of simulation models and the intrinsic perspectivity of the identification of 'relevant' phenomena and parameters and drawing on new forms of knowledge production (as described by science studies), a modified role for model building and for simulation models - particularly with respect to science for policy - is sketched

Community and Identity in Contemporary Technosciences

This open access edited book provides new thinking on scientific identity formation. It thoroughly interrogates the concepts of community and identity, including both historical and contemporaneous analyses of several scientific fields. Chapters examine whether, and how, today’s scientific identities and communities are subject to fundamental changes, reacting to tangible shifts in research funding as well as more intangible transformations in our society’s understanding and expectations of technoscience. In so doing, this book reinvigorates the concept of scientific community. Readers will discover empirical analyses of newly emerging fields such as synthetic biology, systems biology and nanotechnology, and accounts of the evolution of theoretical conceptions of scientific identity and community. With inspiring examples of technoscientific identity work and community constellations, along with thought-provoking hypotheses and discussion, the work has a broad appeal. Those involved in science governance will benefit particularly from this book, and it has much to offer those in scholarly fields including sociology of science, science studies, philosophy of science and history of science, as well as teachers of science and scientists themselves. ; Reinvigorates the concept of scientific community Delineates ongoing changes across a range of epistemic cultures Elaborates on social, cultural and political aspects of contemporary technoscience Traces historical influences on technoscience, including in the European context Provides new thinking on scientific identity formatio

Proceedings of the 2021 DigitalFUTURES

This open access book is a compilation of selected papers from 2021 DigitalFUTURES—The 3rd International Conference on Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication (CDRF 2021). The work focuses on novel techniques for computational design and robotic fabrication. The contents make valuable contributions to academic researchers, designers, and engineers in the industry. As well, readers encounter new ideas about understanding material intelligence in architecture

Videogame ecologies: interaction, aesthetics, affect

This project is driven by omissions at the intersection of ecological game studies and media-ecology. Although authors have studied videogames from a variety of ecological approaches, few have attempted to develop a holistic methodology, embracing videogames' specific attributes while recognising their role within larger physical systems. This thesis is an attempt to address this, reading videogames as simultaneously about and functioning as ecologies. My methodology draws on the agential-realist philosophy of Karen Barad whose theory of 'intra-activity' is abundant with ecological ramifications. Adapting Barad's 'intra-active' framework for use with contemporary videogames, I read them as assemblages of hardware, software and their human players. I explore three significant aspects of game studies: interaction, aesthetics and affect. Focusing on interaction, I analyse the game Shelter. Emphasising the role of hardware and software, I read these processes in conjunction with an understanding of gameplay. This encourages a shift away from seeing gameplay as 'interaction' as it is defined within human-computer-interaction, and instead promotes a view that is 'intra-active'. Siding with Barad, play is radically reframed as a phenomenon that produces the apparent objects of its inception. In the second study I approach a series of more experimental games illustrating how an agential-realist worldview influences aesthetics. Analysing high-concept puzzle games Superhot, Antichamber, and Manifold Garden, I suggest that these games place a focus on aspects of ecology often over-shadowed in so-called 'natural' imaginings of our world, such as time, space and their entanglement. Finally, bringing my focus to the role of the player in my ecological understanding of games I analyse a number of short, human-centred or biographical games. Seeing the role of the player in an ecological manner, designers deviate from traditional methods of generating pathos and affect. Rather than developing empathetic relationships between player and avatar through immersion, viewing the player as only a part of an ecological system demands a posthuman response from players. These designers ask players to empathise while acknowledging their role is small and not central. This thesis presents a novel point of view that draws attention to the ambitious design practices of artists while suggesting new avenues in the future

Continental Philosophy of Technoscience

The key objective of this volume is to allow philosophy students and early-stage researchers to become practicing philosophers in technoscientific settings. Zwart focuses on the methodological issue of how to practice continental philosophy of technoscience today. This text draws upon continental authors such as Hegel, Engels, Heidegger, Bachelard and Lacan (and their fields of dialectics, phenomenology and psychoanalysis) in developing a coherent message around the technicity of science or rather, “technoscience”. Within technoscience, the focus will be on recent developments in life sciences research, such as genomics, post-genomics, synthetic biology and global ecology. This book uniquely presents continental perspectives that tend to be underrepresented in mainstream philosophy of science, yet entail crucial insights for coming to terms with technoscience as it is evolving on a global scale today. This is an open access book

From Assessing to Conserving biodiversity. Conceptual and Practical Challenges

This open access book features essays written by philosophers, biologists, ecologists and conservation scientists facing the current biodiversity crisis. Despite increasing communication, accelerating policy and management responses, and notwithstanding improving ecosystem assessment and endangered species knowledge, conserving biodiversity continues to be more a concern than an accomplished task. Why is it so? The overexploitation of natural resources by our species is a frequently recognised factor, while the short-term economic interests of governments and stakeholders typically clash with the burdens that implementing conservation actions imply. But this is not the whole story. This book develops a different perspective on the problem by exploring the conceptual challenges and practical defiance posed by conserving biodiversity, namely: on the one hand, the difficulties in defining what biodiversity is and characterizing that “thing” to which the word ‘biodiversity’ refers to; on the other hand, the reasons why assessing biodiversity and putting in place effective conservation actions is arduous. ; Features essays that are explicitly critical of the species approach to biodiversity Presents bio-philosophical perspectives on the interaction between biodiversity’s units, levels, and scales Serves as an interdisciplinary contribution to the emergent field of biodiversity studie

Video-based collaborative learning:evidence for a pedagogical model

The educational potential of video is a long-lasting, multi-faceted topic, and the affordances of technological advancement have recently revitalized this discussion. However, teachers are still far from competently integrating or becoming accustomed to video-based pedagogy, especially in combination with collaborative pedagogy. To provide teachers and teacher educators with sound principles for implementing video-supported collaborative learning (VSCL), this symposium fosters a teacher experiment, a cross-over analysis on a pedagogical model for effective VSCL, and student feedback in relation with VSCL. The experiment shows students’ growing lexical richness and cohesion by working peer feedback on student’s video recorded teaching practice. The cross-over analysis shows the evidence for the VSCL-pedagogical model based on data from many other experiments in the European ViSuAL-project. The same holds for the student-feedback analysis. In this symposium we interact about practical experiences in relation with the effective principles of the developed pedagogical model and the experiences of the students