Analogical models

Analogical models are a method of representing a phenomenon of the world, often called the 'target system' by another, more understandable or analysable system. They are also called dynamical analogies. Analogical models are a method of representing a phenomenon of the world, often called the 'target system' by another, more understandable or analysable system. They are also called dynamical analogies. Two open systems have analog representations (see illustration) if they are black box isomorphic systems. Analogizing is the process of representing information about a particular subject (the analogue or source system) by another particular subject (the target system). A simple type of analogy is one that is based on shared properties (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Analogical models, also called 'analog' or 'analogue' models, therefore seek the analog systems that share properties with the target system as a means of representing the world. It is often practicable to construct source systems that are smaller and/or faster than the target system so that one can deduce a priori knowledge of target system behaviour. Analog devices are therefore those in which may differ in substance or structure but share properties of dynamic behaviour (Truit and Rogers, p. 1-3).