“Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View” (2020), by Wendy S. Parker. Arts and Humanities research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View

Wendy S. Parker · February 20, 2020 · Arts and Humanities

Abstract

According to an adequacy-for-purpose view, models should be assessed with respect to their adequacy or fitness for particular purposes. Such a view has been advocated by scientists and philosophers alike. Important details, however, have yet to be spelled out. This article attempts to make progress by addressing three key questions: What does it mean for a model to be adequate-for-purpose? What makes a model adequate-for-purpose? How does assessing a model’s adequacy-for-purpose differ from assessing its representational accuracy? In addition, responses are given to some objections that might be raised against an adequacy-for-purpose view.

Free PDF DOI: 10.1086/708691