Modeling as a method of cognition, as well as other methods of research in science

Modeling as a method of cognition is of interest to two related sciences: philosophy and methodology, since in modern science, in particular in physics, chemistry, cybernetics, biology, the methods of modeling have become widespread.

But modeling as a method of scientific knowledge can not be considered a brainchild of the 19th or 20th century, as it is enough to remember that even Democritus and Epicurus made analogies with round and smooth or hooked particles, discussing atoms and their forms, ways of connecting them, Showers and vortices. These representations were the prototypes of models created in our time, reflecting the structure of the atom of matter and describing the interdependence and interdependence of the nucleus and electrons.

Modeling as a method of cognition underwent profound changes at the beginning of the 20th century with the development of cybernetics, which opened new possibilities and surprising perspectives in ascertaining the regularities and features of different systems of physical nature that are characteristic of different levels of systematization and organization of forms of motion and matter. But on the other hand, the discoveries in quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity showed that there is no absolute model, that mechanical models are relative in nature and there are associated difficulties in this regard in modeling. Therefore, modeling as a method of cognition requires deep theoretical comprehension and finding its place in the general theory of knowledge, since there are multiple facts of its wide use in various kinds of research.

In addition to modeling, there is also analysis as a method of cognition, and it is characterized by a breakdown into the constituent parts of an integral subject with a view to a more thorough and in-depth study. These parts may be parties, properties, signs or relationships. The analysis can be comparative-legal (for example, in which legal systems of different countries are analyzed), statistical (in which the dynamics of the phenomenon are considered over a certain period of time), etc.

Often, the following methods of scientific cognition are also used in research :

- an analogy. Reception, in which, based on the similarity of some features on the compared objects, a conclusion is drawn about the similarity of other features on these same objects.

- deduction. The method of cognition, in which, on the basis of a number of particular cases about the subject, a conclusion is drawn about the totality of the cases.

Induction. The method of cognition, which is based on conclusions about the properties of an object or phenomenon on the basis of private conclusions about them.

- classification. When using this method of scientific knowledge, subjects studied are divided into different subgroups according to certain properties or important characteristics. This method has special significance in such sciences as biology, geography, geology and other descriptive sciences.

- observation. The method of cognition, based on a purposeful perception of phenomena, as a result of which one can obtain the necessary knowledge about the properties, external attributes and relationships of the objects under study.

Generalization. The method of knowledge, and at the same time the reception of thinking, designed to establish the general properties of objects and phenomena.

- description. Fixing information about the object by means of language.

- forecasting. The method of research, which involves studying specific prospects for the development of a particular phenomenon.

- synthesis. Unification of various features, properties, parties, relations of phenomena or objects into a single whole.

Experiment. This is a type of study in which the phenomenon under study is reproduced in controlled and controlled conditions. In the course of this type of cognition, they seek to isolate in the pure state the object (or the phenomenon under study).

Thus, modeling as a method of cognition is a fairly common phenomenon, but by no means the only method of research in science.