Talk about toy models

•This paper elevates the status of toy models.•Toy models are distinguished from approximations and idealisations.•Toy models are shown to perform distinctive non-representational functions.•The Kac ring, a simple statistical mechanical model, is used as a toy model.

Scientific models are frequently discussed in philosophy of science. A great deal of the discussion is centred on approximation, idealisation, and on how these models achieve their representational function. Despite the importance, distinct nature, and high presence of toy models, they have received little attention from philosophers. This paper hopes to remedy this situation. It aims to elevate the status of toy models: by distinguishing them from approximations and idealisations, by highlighting and elaborating on several ways the Kac ring, a simple statistical mechanical model, is used as a toy model, and by explaining why toy models can be used to successfully carry out important work without performing a representational function.