The meta-model is that it is possible to make accurate models, without specifying the general mechanism (e.g. “external reality”) responsible for it.
I think it’s possible to do so without specifying the mechanism, but that’s not the same thing as saying that no mechanism at all exists. If you are saying that, then you need to explain why all these inputs are correlated with each other, and why our models can (on occasion) correctly predict inputs that have not been observed yet.
Let me set up an analogy. Let’s say you acquire a magically impenetrable box. The box has 10 lights on it, and a big dial-type switch with 10 positions. When you set the switch to position 1, the first light turns on, and the rest of them turn off. When you set it to position 2, the second light turns on, and the rest turn off. When you set it to position 3, the third light turns on, and the rest turn off. These are the only settings you’ve tried so far.
Does it make sense to ask the question, “what will happen when I set the switch to positions 4..10” ? If so, can you make a reasonably confident prediction as to what will happen ? What would your prediction be ?
I think it’s possible to do so without specifying the mechanism, but that’s not the same thing as saying that no mechanism at all exists. If you are saying that, then you need to explain why all these inputs are correlated with each other, and why our models can (on occasion) correctly predict inputs that have not been observed yet.
Let me set up an analogy. Let’s say you acquire a magically impenetrable box. The box has 10 lights on it, and a big dial-type switch with 10 positions. When you set the switch to position 1, the first light turns on, and the rest of them turn off. When you set it to position 2, the second light turns on, and the rest turn off. When you set it to position 3, the third light turns on, and the rest turn off. These are the only settings you’ve tried so far.
Does it make sense to ask the question, “what will happen when I set the switch to positions 4..10” ? If so, can you make a reasonably confident prediction as to what will happen ? What would your prediction be ?