-----Original Message-----
From: LaMontagne, Bob
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2016 10:59 AM
To: Phys-L@Phys-L.org
Subject: Re: [Phys-L] nature +- observations +- models
I agree that our models are currently just useful predictive tools and not
truly reality. But there is no reason that at some point in time that they
may cross the line from being models to being statements of reality. Even
people from Cargo Cults can be brought out of their isolation and shown that
"real" airplanes exist - not just wooden models of airplanes.
Doggedly repeating that models can't become identical with reality doesn't
make it so.
Bob at PC
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Our brains take the data of our senses and construct models useful for
predicting future data.
In science we extend our senses with measuring instruments - our
"scientific" brains continue to construct models to predict future
instrumental (extended sensory) data.
These calculational models do not directly predict reality - they predict
the response of our senses/instruments to reality.
We are also inclined to construct CONCEPTUAL models of external reality.
For most of us these are typically visual constructions.
But consider the models in the mind of a man blind from birth. He can
construct and compare calculational models with me, but there is no way to
compare his conceptual models to mine. I have no idea what his conceptual
models are like.
Bob Sciamanda
Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (Em)
treborsci@verizon.net
www.sciamanda.com