This is a Preprint and has not been peer reviewed. The published version of this Preprint is available: https://doi.org/10.2478/logos-2022-0012. This is version 5 of this Preprint.
Against Steady State
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Authors
Eduardo Garzanti,
Pietro Sternai 
Abstract
Nature is never at a steady state. Natural history is generated by ever-new and ever-interacting forces that produce continuous changes. At virtually all timescales, the geological record shows that these changes do not cancel each other out and, thus, that the steady state is utopic. However, we need a state of equilibrium as a starting point for modelling Nature, and the steady-state condition is widely used as a reference in idealisations aimed at understanding natural processes. The present contribution is meant as an epistemological note of caution − from Earth scientists to Earth sci- entists − aimed at discouraging the use of theoretical models as true evidence instead of terms of comparison.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31223/osf.io/p9xq7
Subjects
Earth Sciences, Other Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Keywords
Data Interpretation, Geology History and Economics, Physical Models, Understanding Nature, Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism
Dates
Published: 2020-03-23 17:22
Last Updated: 2022-10-15 14:58
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