Deceptively similar. Remarks on the history of model experiments

摘要

The article argues for a reconsideration of what has been called 'model experiments' or 'mimetic experiments'. After providing a short overview of the historical developments and the occurences of such types of experiments, three aspects pertaining to their practical functions are discussed. First, the aspect of control: Model experiments are often employed to get a grasp on phenomena that are otherwise beyond the control of human actors. Second, their aesthetic dimension: Model experiments often employ aesthetic strategies that, far from being epistemic obstacles, establish their function as models and may generate new areas of research. Third, meta-theories: The practice of experimenting on models is often accompanied by discussions about their representativeness. Albeit triggered by problems in local contexts, this self-reflective discourse did acquire a more general relevance with the formulation of scaling laws in the 19th century.