Modelling mechanisms with causal cycles

摘要: Mechanistic philosophy of science views a large part scientific activity as engaged in modelling mechanisms. While textbooks tend to offer qualitative models mechanisms, there is increasing demand for from which one can draw quantitative predictions and explanations. Casini et al. (Theoria 26(1):5–33, 2011) put forward the Recursive Bayesian Networks (RBN) formalism well suited this end. The RBN an extension standard net formalism, that allows hierarchical nature Like it causal relationships using directed acyclic graphs. Given appeal acyclicity, cycles pose prima facie problem approach. This paper argues significant given ubiquity but be solved by combining two sorts solution strategy judicious way.