Models and points of view

the analysis of the notion of point of view

Manuel Liz

pp. 109-128

in: Lorenzo Magnani (ed), Model-based reasoning in science and technology, Berlin, Springer, 2014

Abstract

The notion of points of view is crucial in scientific and technical disciplines when our knowledge is guided by models. There are very few analyses of the structure of points of view. However, we can identify two general approaches. One of them assumes as a paradigm the structure of propositional attitudes. Here, points of view are understood as having an internal structure similar to the one we find in propositional attitudes. The other approach is based on the notions of location and access. Here, the internal structure of points of view is not directly addressed. The features that are emphasised are related to the role that points of view are intended to have. Here, points of view are understood as ways of having access to the world, and to ourselves, from certain emplacements. The paper has three parts. In the first one, I present these two approaches and some interesting developments inside each one of them. In the second part, I examine more closely the relationships between the two approaches and defend the non-reducible, relational nature and modal character of points of view. In the third part of the paper, I draw some conclusions. The analysis of the notion of points of view is relevant by itself. But it also entails important epistemological and methodological consequences. Insofar as points of view have a non-reducible mode of existence, references to points of view in scientific and technical fields cannot be seen merely as a 'second-class' kind of discourse.