Models in Engineering Design as Decision-Making Aids

Although models and modeling are central to engineering design, they have received much less attention than or in the philosophy of science. This paper draws on insights from philosophical literature science elucidate engineering. Many apparent differences a matter degree. Models design do not function solely as representational more general epistemic vehicles. Rather, facilitating decision making. seems be pronounced laboratory practices for scientific research design. In engineering, often only designers understand determine relation between model its target system. this, serve truth makers keepers. social process is essential understanding role meta perspective, but also relevant engineer when reused. A better these roles can help illuminate To illustrate points, this uses 3D printed kayak an example that shows how even fairly modest project requires creation multitude different models.