The epistemology of modal modeling

Abstract Philosophers of science have recently taken care to highlight different modeling practices where scientific models primarily contribute modal information, in the form for example possibility claims, how‐possibly explanations, or counterfactual conditionals. While examples abound, comparatively little attention is being paid question under what conditions , and virtue what, can perform this epistemic function. In paper, we firstly delineate from other practices, secondly review attempts spell out explain success modeling. The aim more clearly expose respective justificatory strategies these accounts, secondly, identify lacunae further work needed.