Project description
Unifying modelling techniques in science
Multiple causal modelling techniques are statistical and analytical methods used in applied sciences to explore and understand complex relationships between multiple variables. These techniques are particularly valuable when researchers want to investigate the causal relationships among several factors simultaneously. These modelling practices also provide information beyond correlations or associations, helping researchers make informed decisions. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the POCAM project is interested in understanding why these causal models are so successful. Researchers aim to uncover a single common ontology for three different techniques that also incorporates metaphysical theory.
Objective
Multiple causal modelling techniques are employed in the applied sciences. For instance, Structural Equations Models (SEMs) are employed in genetics, econometrics and psychology; Fault Tree Analyses (FTAs) are employed in aerospace and nuclear engineering; Petri Nets are used in traffic control and integrated computational systems. Each technique has a unique way of representing causal phenomena, drawing on different data and background information. But what is it about the world that allows each of these techniques to work? And what makes each technique a representation of causal phenomena specifically? POCAM will break new ground answering these questions by determining a single, underlying causal ontology within the powers metaphysics framework. In doing so, POCAM will provide an explanation of why such varied causal modelling practices are so successful, thereby helping practitioners better conceptualise the connections among different modelling formalisms and with our pre-scientific understanding of causation in everyday life.
While there have been attempts to determine an underlying ontology for SEMs there has yet to be any philosophical engagement with FTAs or Petri Nets, despite their pervasiveness in science. Moreover, current ontologies for causal models in metaphysics fail to be adequately reductive, preventing them from being truly explanatory. POCAM will therefore be pioneering in its attempt to provide a single reductive ontology of all three modelling techniques. To do so, POCAM will draw on the scientific credentials of the powers metaphysics framework. The nature of powers and their role in causation is increasingly well understood but has yet to be brought into sustained theoretical engagement with the casual modelling literature. Dr Friends unique expertise, as a philosopher of science and trained engineer, will enable him, aided by expert scientific advice and supervision, to carry out this inter-disciplinary research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences knowledge engineering ontology
- social sciences economics and business economics econometrics
- social sciences psychology
- humanities philosophy, ethics and religion philosophy metaphysics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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14195 Berlin
Germany
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