Rarely Just About One Model

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that epidemic modeling of disease spreading involves both multi-model as well as multi-methodology reasoning. I demonstrate that epidemic modeling includes two different modeling methodologies: compartment and network modeling. Furthermore, within each of those methodologies, models are often constructed as structured groups of models, rather than as single models. I analyse the epistemic advantages of this mode of modeling, including complementary reasoning with different modeling methodologies and the ability to easily compare explanatory advantages of different models.

Keywords

• Epidemic models
• Covid 19
• Compartment models
• Network models