When are Purely Predictive Models Best?

Can purely predictive models be useful in investigating causal systems? I argue "yes". Moreover, in many cases not only are they useful, they are essential. The alternative is to stick to models or mechanisms drawn from well-understood theory. But a necessary condition for explanation is empirical s...

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Bibliographic Details

Published in:	Disputatio: International Journal of Philosophy Vol. 9; no. 47; pp. 631 - 657
Main Author:	Northcott, Robert
Format:	Article
Published:	Paradigm Publishing Services Dec2017
Subjects:	Prediction models Social sciences Explanation Elections Weather forecasting
Online Access:	View this record in EBSCOhost