Are Models Narratives? Perspectives on a Narrative Critique of Models

Abstract:Models have become a central device in many sciences as much as in the public discussions on climate change or, topically, dealing with pandemics, but they have received only scant consideration in literary studies so far. This essay explores models with a focus on the context of narratives. It examines the relationship between models and narratives, and goes on to suggest ways in which insight gained from the study of narratives can enhance our understanding of models in general. Such insight could then become useful as an element in a general critique of models that ultimately will help in the assessment and decision taking wherever competing models have to be dealt with.