this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2024
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Science Memes

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[–] [email protected] 22 points 3 months ago (4 children)

I like the word "model", I think it's a better fit even. We're modeling reality. Some models turn out to be shit, while others are well tested giving confidence that they mimic reality well.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago

But isn't model used differently in different disciplines?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

~~Some~~ Most models turn out to be shit

Ftfy

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

All models are shit. Some of them are useful tho

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Like my model of fecal matter.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Yes I agree entirely.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Yeah I like that.

I use "theory" for theoretical things, like theoretical physics and math, that can be proven (in a mathematical way).

I use the word "model" for practical things, like practical physics. Models don't need to be proven, but their accuracy can be more or less helpful, depending on the context.