Scientific Prototypes as Analogies of Nature

Economic Models as Analogies*

People often wonder why economists analyse models whose assumptions are known to be false, while economists feel that they learn a lot from such exercises. We suggest that part of the knowledge generated by academic economists is case-based rather than rule-based. That is, instead of offering general rules or theories that should be contrasted with data, economists often analyse models that are...

Nature of creative analogies in biologically inspired innovative design

The nature of scientific discovery

One of the most fascinating aspects of nineteenth-century experimental medicine is the role of so-called vivisection in securing advances and, at the same time, earning vehement criticism. Dr. French deals with the latter in his scholarly and comprehensive study, and he traces the anti-vivisection movement in the last three decades of the ninteenth century. Objectors to animal experiments had, ...

Generative Analogies as Mental Models

When people are reasoning about an unfamiliar domain, they often appear to use analogies, as in the above example from a protocol. Analogies are also used in teaching, as in the following excerpt: The idea that electricity flows as water does is a good analogy. Picture the wires as pipes carrying water (electrons). Your wall plug is a high-pressure source which you can tap simply by inserting a...

Overview of Piano Key weir prototypes and scientific model investigations

The interest in Piano Key weirs (PKW) was increasing over the past years, both in terms of application and hydraulic research. Several systematic model test series were performed and published so far, originating from different hydraulic laboratories around the world. Therein, the key geometric parameters dominating the hydraulic capacity of PKWs were identified as developed crest length, trans...