Grounding models in full reality: a challenge for interdisciplinary education

Abstract

Grounding models in full reality: a challenge for interdisciplinary education. – Models are useful for achieving practical goals. Conversely, metaphysical structures in the classical sense cannot be modelled – let alone creation itself. Influenced by the success of models, the general mindset has undergone a shift at the expense of more theoretical or “contemplative” mindsets. The overall-result is a subtle self-limitation of the human mind. The article substantiates this general picture for the case of physics by means of two items of ordinary experience: they shape physics without being an object of physics. Overcoming that gap requires an innovative intellectual training, thus being a challenge for university education.