{"title":"Numerical Experimentation","authors":"P. Humphreys","doi":"10.1093/oso/9780199334872.003.0005","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"I argue here that the computational models of numerical experimentation constitute a distinctively new kind of scientific method, intermediate in kind between empirical experimentation and analytic theory. A parallel is also drawn between extending our senses with scientific instruments and extending our mathematical powers by using computational instruments. A specific application of these methods to Ising Models using the Metropolis algorithm is described in detail. Finally, it is argued that what counts as observable, or what counts as computable, is doubly contingent and is not fixed, being dependent upon the current state of technology and the way the world is.","PeriodicalId":46780,"journal":{"name":"Philosophical Papers","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5000,"publicationDate":"2019-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"9","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Philosophical Papers","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199334872.003.0005","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"哲学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"0","JCRName":"PHILOSOPHY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 9
Abstract
I argue here that the computational models of numerical experimentation constitute a distinctively new kind of scientific method, intermediate in kind between empirical experimentation and analytic theory. A parallel is also drawn between extending our senses with scientific instruments and extending our mathematical powers by using computational instruments. A specific application of these methods to Ising Models using the Metropolis algorithm is described in detail. Finally, it is argued that what counts as observable, or what counts as computable, is doubly contingent and is not fixed, being dependent upon the current state of technology and the way the world is.
期刊介绍：
Philosophical Papers is an international, generalist journal of philosophy edited in South Africa Original Articles: Articles appearing in regular issues are original, high-quality, and stand-alone, and are written for the general professional philosopher. Submissions are welcome in any area of philosophy and undergo a process of peer review based on initial editor screening and refereeing by (usually) two referees. Special Issues: Topic-based special issues are comprised of both invited and submitted papers selected by guest editors. Recent special issues have included ''Philosophy''s Therapeutic Potential'' (2014, editor Dylan Futter); ''Aging and the Elderly'' (2012, editors Tom Martin and Samantha Vice); ''The Problem of the Criterion'' (2011, editor Mark Nelson); ''Retributive Emotions'' (2010, editor Lucy Allais); ‘Rape and its Meaning/s’ (2009, editor Louise du Toit). Calls for papers for upcoming special issues can be found here. Ideas for future special issues are welcome.
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