Reflective knowledge: Its relation to the mathematical modelling process

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Abstract
A distinction is made between three different types of knowledge related to a process of mathematical modelling: Some types of problem relating to the modelling process—important to analyse in an attempt to develop reflective knowledge—are summarized. The first problem, accompanying a mathematization, is the phenomenon of disguising the complexity of the construction of the conceptual system, which constitutes the very foundation of the model. The second problem has to do with the confusion of the different possible guiding interests connected to a modelling. The third problem is caused by the nature of mathematical language, which makes it tempting always to interpret a model as a descriptive model, and by doing so invent an object to be pictured by the mathematical model. Finally, it is emphasized that a reflective investigation consists of much more.

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