Models and the dynamics of theory-building in physics. Part I—Modeling strategies

A deeper understanding of models is sought in considering what models do, rather what they are. This distinction emphasizes how two different modeling strategies, as they pursue different purposes, do invest in different options, in particular in regard to rigor and immediate empirical relevance. The analysis focuses therefore on the services expected from models by the scientists who construct them: models are sought for how they contribute to exploring and testing the context in which they operate. In a forthcoming Part II these general considerations will be anchored in the presentation of specific case studies.