Models

We use a map to describe a territory.  The map is not the actual territory, but a map can be quite useful in navigating a territory. A model is similar to a map.

A model is not the real world thing, but if created adequately the model can serve the needs of the stakeholders of some system of interest.  

A model enables a community of stakeholders trying to achieve a specific goal or objective or a range of goals/objectives to agree on important details related to capturing meaning or representing a shared understanding of and knowledge in some system of interest.

The model captures important information about the elements and relations of a system of interest.  The model provides information about the patterns within the system of interest.  Patterns are the orderly, regular behavior of the elements of the system of interest.

The description of the elements and patterns provided by a model can be deemed true to the extent that they are empirically tested and proven that the logic described by the model is consistent with the described model.

The more a model is tested empirically and proven to be useful to the stakeholders of the system of interest; the more confident we can be that the model accurately represents what is described by that model.  The more a model is shared with others and found to be useful by others in solving problems, the more objective the model becomes and the more indisputable the model becomes.

Coming up with an effective model is hard work.  It tends to be far quicker to learn a model from documentation of that model or from someone with skills and experience with that model than trying to create the model yourself.

When people hear the term "model" they sometimes think "toy".  In his book, “Models. Behaving. Badly.”, Emanual Derman explains the differences between metaphors, models, and theories.

  • A metaphor describes something less understandable by relating it to something more understandable.
  • A model is a specimen that exemplifies the ideal qualities of something. Models tend to simplify. There tend to always be gaps between models and reality. Models are analogies; they tend to describe one thing relative to something else. Models need a defense or an explanation.
  • A theory describes absolutes. Theories are the real thing. A theory describes the object of its focus. A theory does not simplify. Theories are irreducible, the foundation on which new metaphors can be built. A successful theory can become a fact. A theory describes the world and tries to describe the principles by which the world operates. A theory can be right or wrong, but it is characteristic by its intent: the discovery of essence.
Personally, I prefer to use the term "theory" rather than "model".  For all practical purposes, as I am using the terms; a model and a theory are effectively the same thing.  An ontology is an important part of a model or theory.  An ontology alone cannot represent either a model or a theory completely. It is also true that a theory or model cannot be described completely without the use of an ontology or something like an ontology.

A model/theory is a symbolic description of something that exists in "real space" so that it can be used in "cyberspace" (see Digital Proficiency).

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