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Models, Modelling, Metaphors and Metaphorical Thinking - From an Educational Philosophical View
Modelle, Modellierung, Metaphern und metaphorisches Denken - aus einer pädagogisch-philosophischen Sicht
[journal article]
Abstract In this contribution, I present my view of models and metaphors within educational research, very broadly speaking. I start out by articulating my educational philosophical perspective as a form of applied philosophy. Inspired by Ricœur, I then define models as “instruments for configuration and rec... view more
In this contribution, I present my view of models and metaphors within educational research, very broadly speaking. I start out by articulating my educational philosophical perspective as a form of applied philosophy. Inspired by Ricœur, I then define models as “instruments for configuration and reconfiguration”. I argue that metaphors and metaphorical thinking are more basic than models and modelling. The former can guide reasoning in a holistic, heuristic manner. The latter can be used analytically to develop the initial metaphorical similarity into articulated analogies. Models and metaphors may be deployed explicitly and consciously but may also (mis)lead cognition through implicit structuring of thinking. I proceed to give examples of the roles which models and metaphors have within different areas of (research in) education, teaching, and learning. One example is the explicit development of design patterns; another is implicit adherence to either an acquisition metaphor or a participation metaphor of learning. Towards the end, I provide tentative answers to three questions posed by my discussion pair, Willard McCarty, concerning 1) computer modelling, 2) open-endedness of models and metaphors, and 3) situated knowledge and relativism.... view less
Keywords
educational research; model; metaphor; epistemology; learning
Classification
Basic Research, General Concepts and History of Education and Pedagogics
Philosophy of Science, Theory of Science, Methodology, Ethics of the Social Sciences
Free Keywords
design patterns; digital humanities
Document language
English
Publication Year
2018
Page/Pages
p. 46-58
Journal
Historical Social Research, Supplement (2018) 31
Issue topic
Models and Modelling between Digital & Humanities - A Multidisciplinary Perspective
ISSN
0963-6784
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed