Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

A model is a simplified representation of some aspect of the world. In what ways may models help or hinder the search for knowledge? Mathematicians, natural scientists and human scientists rely heavily on models to simplify complex theories. Forms of models vary according to different areas of knowledge. A model can be a simplified diagram of how a particular system operates, or it can be a long and complicated mathematical equation. Highly precise conclusions and hypotheses are required for constructing a model because it involves limitations and involuntary assumptions. Nevertheless, models help to provide a better and clearer understanding of certain theories by acknowledging the fundamentals that are just on the surface, leaving out details that may add complexity to it. The simplicity of models assist in the search for knowledge because it provides a general rule that paints a broad sketch of a certain theory or system which allows one to base ones hypotheses on, and this may result in a flowing succession of new ideas and knowledge. However, the creation of models rests on certain assumptions that can be falsified at any point, and models that appear to be too simple or complex may lead to doubting. This essay will analyze the extent to which models are useful in the search for knowledge. In the field of human sciences, such as economics and geography, models may be used to illustrate the framework of systems and cycles. For instance, the two-sector circular flow of income model used in economics is a simple diagram that illustrates the circulation of money between households and firms. However, it may appear to be theoretical since it does not take into account leakages and injections in the economy, such as import expenditure, savings or taxes. A revised, four-sector circular flow of income model has then been constructed based on the two-sector model, taking into account the leakages and injections. This example serves to
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Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

show how new models can be derived from original models. Although revised models are often more accepted, this does not mean that original models are completely inaccurate or lacking sufficient information. The older models serve as the basis for succeeding models, and they focus more on the general theory as a whole rather than the supplement details. There are often cases where more than one model may be used to represent the same concept. Both models appear to be equally accurate; however, they are created from different perspectives. Another example of this can be taken from macroeconomics: John Keynes longrun aggregate supply curve, represented by a line curving upwards, against the neo-classical version of the long run aggregate supply curve, shown as a vertical line. Keynes was an interventionist, while neo-classical economics supported laissez-faire. The sparking of a debate between the two contrasting viewpoints may lead to either the overriding of one theory over the other or the dismissal of both theories. Some may be led to make arbitrary judgments in such dilemmas- for example, adopting the principle of Occams razor, which is to believe in the simpler model or theory since it appears to be more straightforward and allows more convenience. Scientists, scholars and educators are constantly debating over the right types of models that best represent a situation or idea in the most realistic sense by running experiments and providing new evidence that refute previous claims. However, in the case of models based on human science, perhaps it is best to explore and accept different perspectives as there is no truly accurate answer due to numerous changing variables. A problem regarding the creation of models in natural sciences is that humans are said to be incapable of achieving knowledge with absolute certainty. Man-made models thus cannot always be relied upon in order to solve problems and predict events. Assumptions that lie behind
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Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

models are subjected to fallibility because they are based on incomplete observations and hence flawed inductive reasoning. At any point in the future certain theories may be overturned, whether through direct falsification or a paradigm shift. Consider the cosmological paradigm shift from Ptolemys geocentric model to the Copernicus heliocentric one. Would it be appropriate to dismiss the geocentric model as outdated and claim that it is no longer useful in modeling the solar system? Humans today have became easily convinced by models of the current generation, just as Aristotle and many ancient Greek philosophers were convinced by geocentricism at that time. This is why it is important to distinguish between knowledge and truth and to accept the possibility that knowledge can be invalidated anytime in the future. Those who realize the fallibility of knowledge might argue that the construction of models further contribute to dogmatism since it acts as a solid confirmation that a particular theory must be absolutely true. Dogmatism is considered to be the unfounded positiveness in matters of opinion.1 It is somewhat contrary to the idea of skepticism, the belief that human beings can never acquire knowledge with full certainty.2 Models constructed based on scientific assumptions rely on methods that are subjected to fallibility, such as empiricism, inductive reasoning or trial and error. Perhaps that is why scientific knowledge can never pass as truths. Firstly, many events occurring in the physical world cannot be perceived and analyzed simply through the five senses with complete accuracy. Furthermore, inductive reasoning only proves that a certain fact might be true simply because the evidences verify it, making it wholly dependent on observations, while trial and error methods focus on finding one solution which

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"dogmatism." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. Hooker, Richard; Skepticism

Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

may not be the best or most efficient among all the possible solutions. Models may hinder the search for knowledge for these reasons, since humans are now led to doubt the reliability of the sources of knowledge. Another complication associated with model-building may be that there are certain limitations which need to be addressed. These limitations could, for instance, take the form of the assumption that all other factors are being held constant, such as ceteris paribus.3 This is necessary especially in human sciences where models attempt to explain human behavior. Humans behavior is unpredictable and could be affected by unforeseen circumstances; and because of this, mathematical- or scientific-based models are unlikely to be able to predict highly precise outcomes. Numbers and equations appear to be logical and rational, but they may be misleading since they suggest that human behavior can be summed up into objective figures. How is it possible to determine the satisfaction gained from a consumer of a particular product in numerical terms? It must be recognized that rational assumptions cannot be made in an imperfect, irrational world. If limits, such as ceteris paribus, are not acknowledged, then a model must take into account hundreds of other factors that make precise predictions impossible. Nevertheless, even though models may not represent reality, they are undoubtedly useful and play a significant role in the progression of knowledge. Perhaps the purpose of creating a model is not to firmly assert a claim (as an anti-dogmatist may argue) but rather to have that claim open for interpretation or experimentation. This is the case for models in natural sciences. Referring back to Ptolemys and Copernicus cosmological models, it can be observed that the

Pietersz, Graeme; Ceteris Paribus

Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

latter could not exist without disputing the former. Both models rest on the assumption that planets move in a curved path around a celestial body4; the only obvious difference is what belongs in the center. Would there be a heliocentric model without the geocentric one? Although models may not always provide an accurate reflection of reality, they can serve as a guide to finding more precise knowledge. The progression of knowledge as a result of model-building can be used to explain the various scientific phenomena occurring in the world today. Examples may be the following: How are airplanes able to stay in midair? What makes tall buildings resistant to earthquakes? The phenomena resulted from the accumulation and advancement of knowledge over a very long period of time. Models based on facts and ideas were exposed to comments and criticism, and as a result some models had been dismissed, a few managed to wholly survive through time while several models were modified on varying levels. The creation of models has undoubtedly encouraged the progression of knowledge, allowing humans to move in one, forward direction towards a more sophisticated and precise type of knowledge. Yet, this superior form of knowledge is not to be confused with truth or certainty. Models assist humans in the search for knowledge to a certain extent. Simple models place an emphasis on the fundamentals of a theory, which may allow one to easily grasp the general rule, although the simple model may appear incomplete and lacking information. More complex models focus on details and supplements that may be useful for more advanced purposes; however, the main idea that is being communicated may be clouded. The creation of

Rabin, Sheila; Nicolaus Copernicus

Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

models allows facts to be exposed to interpretation, and this could serve as the main drive for humans towards more developed and sophisticated knowledge. Nevertheless, model constructors and scientists must be willing to accept the possibility that their theories may be overturned at any point in the future. It is best to keep an open mind by addressing the limitations of the theories and not fall into the arrogance of dogmatism.

Word count: 1,542

Theory of Knowledge Essay Vienna International School

Pinnapa Phetcharatana IB Candidate No. 000114-082

Works Cited

Hooker, Richard. "Skepticism." World Civilizations. Washington State University, 14 July 1999. Web. 11 Feb 2011. <http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/SKEPT.HTM>.

Pietersz, Graeme. "Ceteris Paribus." Money Terms. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb 2011. <http://moneyterms.co.uk/ceteris-paribus/>.

Rabin, Sheila, "Nicolaus Copernicus", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2010/entries/copernicus/>.

Seaman, David. "Philosophy and Science versus Dogmatism." Web. 11 Feb 2011. <http://www.chiro.org/ChiroZine/ABSTRACTS/Science_vs_dogmatism.shtml>.

"dogmatism." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 14 Feb. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dogmatism>.