Exploring the Philosophical Dimensions of Network Modeling

Talk:
Our world is densely interconnected, from the neurons in our brains, to the friendships, and airports. We use network models to deal with this vexing complexity. The ultimate goal of these models is, of course, to provide explanations. Under what conditions do network models provide explanations, what are their unique features, how do they relate to other kinds of scientific explanations, and what are the unique problems that network-based explanations face, are the topics of ongoing and lively debates in philosophy. In this talk, I systematically explore these issues, drawing on examples from neuroscience and ecology, and show how points made in this domain are generalizable to all other areas of science that use network models, including AI.

Workshop:
In this session we will be discussing the key philosophical concepts of network explanations
using examples of the students’ own research projects. In particular, we will explore how
Kostic’s T and E schemas of explanatory power and explanatory relevance, respectively, apply
to the case studies provided by students. In doing so, we will carve out the space of foundational
philosophical issues that any research on or using networks faces, and along the way also
provide some helpful feedback to students on their research projects.