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Digital Library

of the European Council for Modelling and Simulation

 

Title:

Higher-Level Modelling Languages And (Anti)Reductionist Perspectives Within Philosophy

Authors:

Catholijn M.Jonker, Jan Treur

Published in:

 

 

(2006).ECMS 2006 Proceedings edited by: W. Borutzky, A. Orsoni, R. Zobel. European Council for Modeling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2006 

 

ISBN: 0-9553018-0-7

 

20th European Conference on Modelling and Simulation,

Bonn, May 28-31, 2006

 

 

Citation format:

Jonker, C. M., & Treur, J. (2006). Higher-Level Modelling Languages And (Anti)Reductionist Perspectives Within Philosophy. ECMS 2006 Proceedings edited by: W. Borutzky, A. Orsoni, R. Zobel (pp. 244-252). European Council for Modeling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2006-0244

DOI:

http://dx.doi.org/10.7148/2006-0244

Abstract:

In the philosophical literature, it is implicitly assumed that the advantages of reduction of are based on the elimination of a higher-level theory.  Antireductionist philosophers cast doubt on the existence of reduction

relations between higher-level and lower-level theories. This is a debatable strategy in view of the scientific progress made in areas such as Biochemistry and

Neuroscience. An alternative strategy accepts the existence of reduction relations, but claims that this can support an antireductionist view on development and

use of higher-level theories. To support this position, as a case study, the historical development of modeling languages at different levels of abstraction is

considered. It shows how a practitioner can concentrate work at a higher-level of abstraction, while hidden for the human, within a computer automated translations to lower levels are made based on reduction relations. The higher modelling levels dramatically increased the complexity of applications that came within reach.

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