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Books > Science & Mathematics > Mathematics > Philosophy of mathematics
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Across the Boundaries - Extrapolation in Biology and Social Science (Hardcover)
Loot Price: R1,545
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Across the Boundaries - Extrapolation in Biology and Social Science (Hardcover)
Series: Environmental Ethics and Science Policy Series
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The biological and social sciences often generalize causal
conclusions from one context or location to others that may differ
in some relevant respects, as is illustrated by inferences from
animal models to humans or from a pilot study to a broader
population. Inferences like these are known as extrapolations. The
question of how and when extrapolation can be legitimate is a
fundamental issue for the biological and social sciences that has
not received the attention it deserves. In Across the Boundaries,
Steel argues that previous accounts of extrapolation are inadequate
and proposes a better approach that is able to answer
methodological critiques of extrapolation from animal models to
humans.
Across the Boundaries develops the thought that knowledge of
mechanisms linking cause to effect can serve as a basis for
extrapolation. Despite its intuitive appeal, this idea faces
several obstacles. Extrapolation is worthwhile only when there are
stringent practical or ethical limitations on what can be learned
about the target (say, human) population by studying it directly.
Meanwhile, the mechanisms approach rests on the idea that
extrapolation is justified when mechanisms are the same or similar
enough. Yet since mechanisms may differ significantly between model
and target, it needs to be explained how the suitability of the
model could be established given only very limited information
about the target. Moreover, since model and target are rarely alike
in all relevant respects, an adequate account of extrapolation must
also explain how extrapolation can be legitimate even when some
causally relevant differences are present.
Steel explains how his proposal can answer thesechallenges,
illustrates his account with a detailed biological case study, and
explores its implications for such traditional philosophy of
science topics ceteris paribus laws and reductionism. Finally, he
considers whether mechanisms-based extrapolation can work in social
science.
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