Approximation and Idealization: Why the Difference Matters
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 inconsist...
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| Veröffentlicht in: | Philosophy of science 2012-04, Vol.79 (2), p.207-232 |
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| container_title | Philosophy of science |
| container_volume | 79 |
| creator | Norton, John D. |
| description | 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. |
| doi_str_mv | 10.1086/664746 |
| format | Article |
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| fulltext | fulltext |
| identifier | ISSN: 0031-8248 |
| ispartof | Philosophy of science, 2012-04, Vol.79 (2), p.207-232 |
| issn | 0031-8248 1539-767X |
| language | eng |
| recordid | cdi_uchicagopress_journals_664746 |
| source | Jstor Complete Legacy; Cambridge Journals - Connect here FIRST to enable access |
| subjects | Approximation Capsules Cylinders Determinism Difference Epistemology. Philosophy of science. Theory of knowledge Idealization Infinity Mathematical functions Philosophical thought Philosophy Philosophy of science Physics Property Renormalization group Renormalization group methods Statistical analysis System theory Thermodynamics |
| title | Approximation and Idealization: Why the Difference Matters |
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