Sunday, February 12, 2012

All Models Are Wrong - #CCK12






  1. Keith, you post leaves me thinking about the possible differences between a model and a map. If a river changes course, we redraw the maps, but the underlying model which says that water flows down hill and pools in low spots(unless otherwise forced) does not change. Isn't a model more durable than a map? - Bruce

  2. Bruce, I think you are onto a fine distinction between models and maps, but it's a distinction that I was not making in my post. A model may, indeed, be more stable than a map, but the point I was trying to make here is that neither models nor maps capture reality in an unassailable and eternal truth. Both our maps and models have a limited shelf-life, and when we try to force them to outlive their usefulness, then we usually do harm to ourselves, to others, and to reality.