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Correctness criteria for models’ validation – A philosophical perspective

Fulltext:


Authors:

Ijeoma Sandra Irobi , Johan Kraft, Anders Wall

Publication Type:

Report - MRTC

ISRN:

MDH-MRTC-163/2004-1-SE

Abstract

Valid models are central to the existence of Computer science as in most other disciplines, but at what point can one say that a model is valid and hence correct? A model is often taken to be an abstraction and simplification of reality (of the system being modelled) but reality (the nature of measured data, environmental and human factors) in itself, has a nature of abstract complexity, hence a ‘correct’ model could at best be judged as one which is ‘closest’ in representation to the real system, but the question is just exactly how close should ‘closest’ be to be correct? In this paper, we shall examine some common and general correctness criteria for models validation and seek to relate them to various philosophical perspectives to see how much information the basis of acceptance of such valid models could give (content and truth). We shall also strongly explore and consider the salient philosophical angle, which presents validation only as a method to improve the level of confidence in a model and not a demonstration of its ‘truth’ content. Models should not be used as a substitute or sole basis for critical thoughts, considerations or major decisions but should be viewed just as a tool for improving judgement and intuition.

Bibtex

@techreport{Irobi610,
author = {Ijeoma Sandra Irobi and Johan Kraft and Anders Wall},
title = {Correctness criteria for models’ validation – A philosophical perspective},
number = {ISSN 1404-3041 ISRN MDH-MRTC-163/2004-1-SE},
month = {May},
year = {2004},
url = {http://www.es.mdu.se/publications/610-}
}