Approximation and idealization: Why the difference matters

Norton, JD (2012) Approximation and idealization: Why the difference matters. Philosophy of Science, 79 (2). 207 - 232. ISSN 0031-8248

Preview	PDF Draft Version Available under License : See the attached license file. Download (266kB) | Preview
	Plain Text (licence) Available under License : See the attached license file. Download (1kB)

Abstract

It is proposed that we use the term "approximation" for inexact description of a target system and "idealization" for another system whose properties also provide an inexact description of the target system. Since systems generated by a limiting process can often have quite unexpected-even inconsistent-properties, familiar limit processes used in statistical physics can fail to provide idealizations but merely provide approximations. © 2012 by the Philosophy of Science Association.

---

Share

Citation/Export:	Select format... Citation - Text Citation - HTML Endnote BibTex Dublin Core OpenURL MARC (ISO 2709) METS MODS EP3 XML Reference Manager Refer
Social Networking:	Share |

---

Details

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID Norton, JD jdnorton@pitt.edu JDNORTON
Centers:	University Centers > Center for Philosophy of Science
Date:	1 April 2012
Date Type:	Publication
Access Restriction:	No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Journal or Publication Title:	Philosophy of Science
Volume:	79
Number:	2
Page Range:	207 - 232
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1086/664746
Institution:	University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs:	Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > History and Philosophy of Science
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0031-8248
Date Deposited:	12 Jul 2012 14:30
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2019 15:56
URI:	http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12538

---

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Altmetric.com

---

Actions (login required)

View Item