Summary
Multiple causal modelling techniques are employed in the applied sciences. For instance, Structural Equations Models (SEMs) are employed in genetics, econometrics and psychology; Fault Tree Analyses (FTAs) are employed in aerospace and nuclear engineering; Petri Nets are used in traffic control and integrated computational systems. Each technique has a unique way of representing causal phenomena, drawing on different data and background information. But what is it about the world that allows each of these techniques to work? And what makes each technique a representation of causal phenomena specifically? POCAM will break new ground answering these questions by determining a single, underlying causal ontology within the powers metaphysics framework. In doing so, POCAM will provide an explanation of why such varied causal modelling practices are so successful, thereby helping practitioners better conceptualise the connections among different modelling formalisms and with our pre-scientific understanding of causation in everyday life.
While there have been attempts to determine an underlying ontology for SEMs there has yet to be any philosophical engagement with FTAs or Petri Nets, despite their pervasiveness in science. Moreover, current ontologies for causal models in metaphysics fail to be adequately reductive, preventing them from being truly explanatory. POCAM will therefore be pioneering in its attempt to provide a single reductive ontology of all three modelling techniques. To do so, POCAM will draw on the scientific credentials of the powers metaphysics framework. The nature of powers and their role in causation is increasingly well understood but has yet to be brought into sustained theoretical engagement with the casual modelling literature. Dr Friend’s unique expertise, as a philosopher of science and trained engineer, will enable him, aided by expert scientific advice and supervision, to carry out this inter-disciplinary research.
While there have been attempts to determine an underlying ontology for SEMs there has yet to be any philosophical engagement with FTAs or Petri Nets, despite their pervasiveness in science. Moreover, current ontologies for causal models in metaphysics fail to be adequately reductive, preventing them from being truly explanatory. POCAM will therefore be pioneering in its attempt to provide a single reductive ontology of all three modelling techniques. To do so, POCAM will draw on the scientific credentials of the powers metaphysics framework. The nature of powers and their role in causation is increasingly well understood but has yet to be brought into sustained theoretical engagement with the casual modelling literature. Dr Friend’s unique expertise, as a philosopher of science and trained engineer, will enable him, aided by expert scientific advice and supervision, to carry out this inter-disciplinary research.
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More information & hyperlinks
| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101106919 |
| Start date: | 04-09-2023 |
| End date: | 03-09-2025 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | - 189 687,00 Euro |
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Original description
Multiple causal modelling techniques are employed in the applied sciences. For instance, Structural Equations Models (SEMs) are employed in genetics, econometrics and psychology; Fault Tree Analyses (FTAs) are employed in aerospace and nuclear engineering; Petri Nets are used in traffic control and integrated computational systems. Each technique has a unique way of representing causal phenomena, drawing on different data and background information. But what is it about the world that allows each of these techniques to work? And what makes each technique a representation of causal phenomena specifically? POCAM will break new ground answering these questions by determining a single, underlying causal ontology within the powers metaphysics framework. In doing so, POCAM will provide an explanation of why such varied causal modelling practices are so successful, thereby helping practitioners better conceptualise the connections among different modelling formalisms and with our pre-scientific understanding of causation in everyday life.While there have been attempts to determine an underlying ontology for SEMs there has yet to be any philosophical engagement with FTAs or Petri Nets, despite their pervasiveness in science. Moreover, current ontologies for causal models in metaphysics fail to be adequately reductive, preventing them from being truly explanatory. POCAM will therefore be pioneering in its attempt to provide a single reductive ontology of all three modelling techniques. To do so, POCAM will draw on the scientific credentials of the powers metaphysics framework. The nature of powers and their role in causation is increasingly well understood but has yet to be brought into sustained theoretical engagement with the casual modelling literature. Dr Friend’s unique expertise, as a philosopher of science and trained engineer, will enable him, aided by expert scientific advice and supervision, to carry out this inter-disciplinary research.
Status
SIGNEDCall topic
HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01-01Update Date
31-07-2023
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