Should Interpretation Systems Be Considered to Be Models if They Only Function Implicitly?

Abstract

The term “mathematical model” or just “model” is interpreted differently by different people in current international discussions about mathematical modelling. For many, the term “model” is restricted to interpretation systems which are explicit objects of thought. In this paper we ask the question, if interpretation systems should be considered to be models if they only function implicitly. Furthermore we describe characteristics of what we mean by “implicit models” – as well as possible transitions from implicit to explicit models, and what these transitions look like from a cognitive-psychological perspective.