Model-Dependent Realism

Model Dependent Realism is discussed by Stephen Hawking in ‘The Grand Design’. Model Dependent Realism is the notion that there is no one version of reality. Reality is not linear or one dimensional. It cannot be known or understood to be such.

Model Dependent Realism holds that we attribute qualities such as reality or truth when events align with an internally created model. Our brains create a model of the world according to the data that we receive from our senses. However, this model is dependent upon our internal interpretation of said events and there are a number of different ways in which one could model these events, using different fundamental elements or concepts. The issue in terms of truth and reality is when two different models can predict the same events, one cannot be said to be more real or true than the other. We are therefore free to use whichever model is the most convenient to us, or that which is most coherent to our other internal modeling of the way the world works.

As Hawking points out science has discovered a series of better theories or models, which then begs the question over whether this series will reach an end point or if it will continue for as long as the world exists. Will we always be able to improve upon models or is there one ultimate and therefore ‘truthful’ model that we can discover? Is reality entirely dependent upon our internal modeling, and therefore dependent upon our sensory perception? Can our senses be relied upon to discover ‘reality’?

To find out more about model dependent reality click here
For an economic perspective on this concept click here
For a book review of The Grand Design click here