This document discusses how models are used to create representations of the world. It explores different types of models, including normative models, car models, structural models, and process models. The document also examines how models are used for reproduction, construction, intention, and metaphorical meaning-making. A key point is that models do not simply represent reality but shape understanding by reducing complexity, guiding abstraction, and sometimes operating through symbolic meaning.

1. Reproduction, Intention,
Construction and Metaphor:
How we create our 'World'
in digital Models
(with credit to Herbert Stachowiak)
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin / Institut für Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft
stefan.gradmann@ibi.hu-berlin.de
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2. Übersicht
Modeling Strategies
Reproduction
Construction
Intention
Metaphorical and symbolic surplus building
6 Statements on Models
How we create our 'world' in digital models 2
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

3. A normative Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 3
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

4. A Car Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 4
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

5. A Model Car
How we create our 'world' in digital models 5
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

6. Ein Model Aeroplane
(An Aeroplane Model?)
How we create our 'world' in digital models 6
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

7. A 'Structural Model'
How we create our 'world' in digital models 7
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

8. A Process Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 8
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

9. An Interaction Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 9
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

10. The World Dynamics Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 10
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

11. The V-Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 11
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

12. The V-Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 12
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

13. The V-Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 13
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

14. Models as Reproductions
How we create our 'world' in digital models 14
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

15. Models as Reproductions /
Abstractions
How we create our 'world' in digital models 15
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

16. Pragmatic Orientation
of Models
Kepler:
for Children
How we create our 'world' in digital models 16
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

17. Pragmatic Orientation
of Models
Field Theory (Einstein):
for Physicists
How we create our 'world' in digital models 17
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

18. Pragmatic Orientation
of Models
Philosophical-
associative
How we create our 'world' in digital models 18
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

19. A Construction Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 19
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

20. Model vs. Metaphor: Atoms according to Bohr and
Sommerfeld – and the Universe according to Kopernikus
How we create our 'world' in digital models 20
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

21. A Mythical Model
How we create our 'world' in digital models 21
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

22. Myth and Representation
How we create our 'world' in digital models 22
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

23. Myth → Metaphor
How we create our 'world' in digital models 23
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

24. Modelling and Scholarship
How we create our 'world' in digital models 24
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013

25. 6 Statements on Models
Models do not just represent “reality” but render a specific
view of the world.
All Models are selective: they reduce and abstract the part
of the world they represent.
Reduction and abstraction always are intentionally guided
in modelling.
Many models have a normative, prescriptive apsect in that
they are instructions for constructing 'reality'.
Powerful models often operate using substantial
metaphorical, connotative and/or symbolic surplus.
In this perspective, works of art simply are exceptionally
powerful models!
How we create our 'world' in digital models 25
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gradmann, Berlin, DM2E DHAB meeting, January 21, 2013