The word model synthesizes the two symmetrical and opposed directions concept of resemblance, of imitation, Représentation. Indeed, it is used:

• for a concept or object which is the representation of another (the “small-scale Modèle” or Maquette, the “model” of the scientist), to build or already existing.
• for a real object of which one seeks to give a representation, that one seeks to imitate (example: the “model” of the painter, the “model” which the Master for the disciple constitutes).

The first direction is the original direction. The second direction derives from the practice from the architects and engineers (then scientists) consisting in initially building a prototype, concrete or conceptual, which will serve as “model” with a real construction: the model thus became, moreover, the assembly of concepts representing in a simplified way an already existing thing real (object, phenomenon, etc), in order to include/understand it, to predict the behavior, etc of them

Model and Réductionnisme

See also: Theory of the models

The step of modeling concretizes the Cartesian principle. It is a question all at the same time of being simplified work, by eliminating the details difficult to reproduce, and of obtaining a result plus Net, while concentrating on the only important features.

Modeling is a discipline which has its rules, adapted to the studied field. Thus, the proportions that must respect a small-scale model so that one can extrapolate his behavior with the object of real size can be different from what appears a priori natural. For example, the Mécanique of the fluids requires of a model of boat of the proportions different from the boat to preserve the Reynolds number, while extrapolation Statistique does not allow an evolution in the same proportions between a studied population and a representative sample.

• the model is a representation of a reality. It does not constitute this reality, as the proverb " states it; the chart is not the territoire".

• a model is not (and does not have to be!) perfectly resembling: one aims at a sufficient resemblance , which depends on the desired use (thus, a sculptor and a doctor do not use the same model of an human body).
• the quality of a model depends on the techniques available
• the behavior of the model corresponds to a certain extent, but to a certain extent only, with the behavior of reality; the resemblance is, in best case, rather well quantifiable.

Science and technology

See also: scientific Method

In sciences and genius, the “model” word is used in three different contexts:

• the model or the plan being used for prototyping;
• the conceptual model, aiming to comprehension and the diagnosis   ; a “  fantastic notion   ” analytical or algorithmic (with or without mathematics) representing phenomena and their relations; to the extreme, the Théorie of the models explores the logical possibilities of the models;
• the Simulation S, of predictive nature or diagnoses, often implemented by computer. One distinguishes inter alia   :
• the models Statistique S
• digital models (or analytical models)
• models stochastic (or random)
• interactive simulations ( i.e. with human intervention), which includes the plays and simulations of drive.
• a Organisme models is an alive species which one can easily raise or cultivate, in order to make scientific experiments, which it is more difficult to implement with more complex species (the species Humain E for example).

Social sciences

In a direction applicable for example to the policy, with sociology, or the culture, the model establishes a plastic Gouverne for a Espèce, of a kind or a company. It founds a whole of rules, establishes a more or less flexible Morale and publishes it, expresses it. The model is used as statement of reference and defines freely a Forme, a social structure, possibly a community.

Information sciences

See also: Model (data-processing)

Many models and methods were developed in the information sciences.

The artistic model

A “artistic model” is a person who poses or exposes herself for the Art, the Mode, or of the publicity campaigns.

The work of the model is distinguished from other types of dumb performances, the such play of Acteur, the Danse or MIME, although the border between these activities is not clearly defined. In this respect, the simple appearance in a Film or a part of Théâtre is generally not regarded as an activity of model, whatever the nature of the role (appearing).

By its body and its body expression, the model must express emotion S which are transcribed in various artistic Médium S: Painting, Sculpture, Photography…

See also the articles Description and artistic Representation of naked the.

Note on the other words carrying two opposite directions

For various reasons, it is relatively frequent that the same word indicates two opposite things. One can quote the words Hôte, Louer, and with all the qualifiers, which, by derision, can be allotted to the people or things completely deprived of quality concerned.

See too

• Model deposited
• Model driven architecture
• Model (data-processing)
• Mathematical model.

Simple: Models off natural

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