Deidealized Models

Abstract

This chapter analyzes how highly idealized theoretical models canbe deidealized. He argues that idealized models are built with a definite purpose andfor that reason, the advantages and disadvantages of idealizing depend essentially onthe specific purpose for which a given model is designed. As a consequence, evenwhen deidealization may be feasible, a cost–benefit analysis may suggest avoidingit. He exemplifies those circumstances with a study of deidealized models of theSolar System and physical pendula. He concludes that deidealization has not tobe conceived of as an end in itself, or as aiming at a veridical representation of thephenomena, but rather as ameans to other ends, such as obtaining better explanationsor predictions, or more generally, improving the expediency of our models to solvethe problems that originated their construction.