University of Isfahan Metaphysics 2476-3276 18 41 2026 03 21 The Artifact-Like Nature of Scientific Models The Artifact-Like Nature of Scientific Models 147 162 29948 10.22108/mph.2025.145811.1652 FA Ali Seyedi Dehaghani Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies Alireza Mansouri Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies Journal Article 2025 07 02 The present article critiques prevalent views regarding the nature of abstract scientific models, arguing that these approaches fail to account for the role of intentionality in determining a model's essence. Instead, the paper proposes that scientific models should be viewed as abstract artifacts whose nature is directly dependent on the design intention, specific scientific goals, and the particular institutional contexts in which they are embedded. This approach specifically emphasizes the importance of intentionality in the formation of scientific models, positing that these models are purposefully designed to achieve specific scientific and research objectives. This perspective carries significant metaphysical implications, as it leverages the philosophy of artifacts to stress the existential dependence of models on the collective intention of scientists and the role of scientific institutions in shaping and establishing them. Finally, by offering a solution to the ontological problem of models, the article paves the way for proposing a form of institutional-functional realism that assesses the reality of models within the framework of their scientific and social functions. The present article critiques prevalent views regarding the nature of abstract scientific models, arguing that these approaches fail to account for the role of intentionality in determining a model's essence. Instead, the paper proposes that scientific models should be viewed as abstract artifacts whose nature is directly dependent on the design intention, specific scientific goals, and the particular institutional contexts in which they are embedded. This approach specifically emphasizes the importance of intentionality in the formation of scientific models, positing that these models are purposefully designed to achieve specific scientific and research objectives. This perspective carries significant metaphysical implications, as it leverages the philosophy of artifacts to stress the existential dependence of models on the collective intention of scientists and the role of scientific institutions in shaping and establishing them. Finally, by offering a solution to the ontological problem of models, the article paves the way for proposing a form of institutional-functional realism that assesses the reality of models within the framework of their scientific and social functions. https://mph.ui.ac.ir/article_29948_afb166eb0d483339c556c445f86c38ec.pdf