Here is a question: do you think ML models will ever replace scientific theory, especially those areas of science where the human brain may be inherently limited to explore? In other words, instead of descriptive equations showing how dark energy works, could ML take its place without the need for us to explain how dark energy exactly works, especially if we can make accurate predictions using that ML model about dark energy?
Predictive models teach us a lot about the system we are observing. My fair value bitcoin model does a poor job of predicting price, but it teaches us a lot about the human emotions behind market prices.
Great project! I think one of the central questions is, what are scientific theories for? Is science "just" about prediction, or is it also about explanation, and how are these related? And how is "explaining the ML model" related to "explaining the world" (ie, what science is supposed to strive for)? Cf. the discussion by Henk de Regt on eplanation, and the use Mario Krenn et al make of this concerning the role of AI in science (https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-022-00518-3).
Great take!
Here is a question: do you think ML models will ever replace scientific theory, especially those areas of science where the human brain may be inherently limited to explore? In other words, instead of descriptive equations showing how dark energy works, could ML take its place without the need for us to explain how dark energy exactly works, especially if we can make accurate predictions using that ML model about dark energy?
Predictive models teach us a lot about the system we are observing. My fair value bitcoin model does a poor job of predicting price, but it teaches us a lot about the human emotions behind market prices.
Great project! I think one of the central questions is, what are scientific theories for? Is science "just" about prediction, or is it also about explanation, and how are these related? And how is "explaining the ML model" related to "explaining the world" (ie, what science is supposed to strive for)? Cf. the discussion by Henk de Regt on eplanation, and the use Mario Krenn et al make of this concerning the role of AI in science (https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-022-00518-3).