The map is not the territory

A useful model leaves things out. The question is whether it leaves out something that matters for your decision.

Scientific models represent selected features of a target. A subway map sacrifices geographic accuracy to reveal connections; a climate model makes different compromises. Treating a representation as complete can turn a helpful simplification into a hidden assumption.

For example: A ranking score can summarize attention to an idea while missing whether the idea is true, original, or useful to you.

Keep in mind: Simplification does not make every model equally good. Predictive accuracy, scope, and evidence still let us compare models.

Think about it

Choose a metric you rely on. What important feature does it leave out, and when would that omission change your decision?

Connected ideas

Uncertainty is part of measurement · Small world networks · The is-ought gap

Sources and further reading

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Models in Science

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