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Characterizing Network Explanations in Complex Systems: Patterns, Processes and Epistemic Values

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Huneman, P. Characterizing Network Explanations in Complex Systems: Patterns, Processes and Epistemic Values. Yearbook for Philosophy of Complex Systems, 99999(), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.3790/pcs.2025.14601901
Huneman, Philippe "Characterizing Network Explanations in Complex Systems: Patterns, Processes and Epistemic Values" Yearbook for Philosophy of Complex Systems 99999., 2025, 1-32. https://doi.org/10.3790/pcs.2025.14601901
Huneman, Philippe (2025): Characterizing Network Explanations in Complex Systems: Patterns, Processes and Epistemic Values, in: Yearbook for Philosophy of Complex Systems, vol. 99999, iss. , 1-32, [online] https://doi.org/10.3790/pcs.2025.14601901
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Characterizing Network Explanations in Complex Systems: Patterns, Processes and Epistemic Values

Huneman, Philippe

Yearbook for Philosophy of Complex Systems, Online First : pp. 1–32 | First published online: July 25, 2025

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Article Details

Publisher Name
Duncker & Humblot
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3790/pcs.2025.14601901
Language
German
Pages
32
License
closed-access
Keywords

Author Details

Philippe Huneman, Institut d’Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques (CNRS/Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne)

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Abstract

Network modeling is pervasive in the sciences that address complex systems, especially when they require big data. In the philosophical literature some argued that network analysis in some cases gives rise to explanations, often termed topological. In this paper I use several classical distinctions used in the scientist’s talk about modeling in order to characterize such purported explanations. I show that the distinctions between phenomenological and mechanistic models, as well as the claim that topological explanations are abstractions to be connected to genuine mechanistic explanations, don’t capture what’s at stake with these purported explanations. Finally, I consider the distinctions between epistemic values inspired by Levins (1966) and show that, contrary to what may seem intuitive, the difference between topological and mechanistic explanations is not one between genericity and realism. I call for the recognition of the plurality of uses of network modeling and explanation.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Philippe Hunemann: Characterizing Network Explanations in Complex Systems:Patterns, Processes and Epistemic Values 1
Abstract 1
I. Network Explanation: Some Distinctive Features 3
II. Network Topologies: The Pattern vs. Process Approach 7
1. Patterns and Processes, Phenomenological vs. Mechanistic Modeling 7
2. What About Network Modeling? 10
III. Looking for Very Abstract Mechanisms? 12
1. Network Analysis and Abstract Mechanisms 13
2. Network Explanations as a Class of Very Generaland Unrealistic Explanations 15
IV. Realism and Genericity as Epistemic Values:Another Look at Network Models 18
1. Epistemic Values and the Realism Issue 18
2. A Realism Gradient Among the Class of Networks 20
3. Recovering Functional Roles from Within Networks 21
4. Realism and Genericity: The Case of Functional Ecology 25
5. Wrapping up 27
V. Conclusion 27
References 28

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