# **Introduction to Modelling as an Epistemic Activity in Ecology** This resource set is being curated to support discussions about the epistemic roles of modelling, drawing on examples from within Ecology. While models are often positioned as representations that disseminate knowledge, [contemporary studies of scientific practices](https://osf.io/jcpb9/wiki/home/), demonstrate that modelling also contributes to our ways of *generating* knowledge. In this context, building and using models can be understood as ‘epistemic activities’ - activities that contribute to the production and evaluation of research claims. Studies of modelling as an epistemic activity have drawn attention to the way that models can function as tools that are inextricably implicated in the dynamic processes of generating knowledge. This view of models as tools within philosophical studies of the sciences more generally, converges with accounts of modelling practices by scientists within the field of Ecology. For more, see: - Slides Sets and recording from the AIMOS 2021 Discussion 'Modelling as Ways of Knowing', [attached as files](https://osf.io/4qvjr/): - *Modelling as an Epistemic Activity* (introducing the notion of an 'epistemic activity' and it's use within Philosophy of Scientific Practice for studying modelling within a range of different scientific practices). - *How viewing modelling as an epistemic activity is useful in Ecology* (an introduction to some concrete examples of modelling practices from the field of Ecology) - [Reading List Component](https://osf.io/ncfjg/wiki/home/) with a list of suggested articles and associated notes **** Note: this is an in progress resource being created as part of the [Resource Development for Interdisciplinary Studies of Scientific Practices Project](https://osf.io/szq3c/?view_only=654a57b60d8846508fcf3d456c85017a). [CC BY-NC-SA](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)