Scientific Model-Dependency

The insight that what we observe in science depends critically on the models we use to observe. Our instruments are built on models. Our data analysis assumes models. Our theories are models. We never access reality raw—we access reality filtered through models, and different models reveal different aspects. This isn't idealism (reality exists) but dependency: what we can say about reality is always mediated by the models we've built. Scientific progress is partly about building better models, but also about understanding what each model hides along with what it reveals.

"You think climate models are just predictions? Scientific Model-Dependency says: they're also what makes climate visible at all. Without models, you have weather, not climate. The model isn't just representing reality—it's creating the conditions for you to see it. Respect the dependency."

by Abzugal February 23, 2026

Epistemological Model-Dependency

The insight that what we can know depends critically on the models we use to know. Our concepts are models. Our languages are models. Our theories are models. We never access reality raw—we access reality filtered through models, and different models reveal different aspects. This isn't idealism (reality exists) but dependency: what we can claim to know is always mediated by the models we've built. Epistemic progress is partly about building better models, but also about understanding what each model hides along with what it reveals.

"You think you know someone through their social media. Epistemological Model-Dependency says: you know the model they present, filtered through the platform's algorithms, shaped by your interpretive framework. That's knowledge—but it's model-dependent knowledge. You don't know them; you know them-as-filtered-through-your-model. Respect the dependency."

by Abzugal February 23, 2026

Hybrid Modeling

A mix of intuitive bar modeling and abstract algebra to solve word problems, which serves as a bridge from pre-algebraic thinking (hidden in the Singapore bar model method) to formal algebraic thinking (involved in solving an equation).

Many middle school students in Singapore are so fluent in the bar model method that teachers and parents find it hard to wean them from it in order to embrace the algebraic method. As a result, some math educators suggest using the blended or hybrid modeling to make the transition less painful.

by Numerati October 17, 2024

Bar-Modeling Orthogonality

When incorporating Singapore’s bar model method—the problem-solving visualization strategy to tackle word problems—at the elementary school level and its aim to develop students’ pre-algebraic thinking skills (before they are introduced to formal algebra) are not often partially achievable or necessarily correlated in practice.

Wallet-friendly Singapore math textbooks, workbooks, and teachers’ resources on their own doesn’t guarantee problem-solving mastery—bar-modeling orthogonality seems to be a constant in many traditional American classrooms, often because of teachers’ or parents’ faux perception that a foreign math curriculum or publication is harder (or even inferior) than their local inch-deep-mile-wide one.

by Numerati December 5, 2024

Bar Modeling

The mathematical equivalent of a child riding a tricycle before switching to a bicycle, or using a float while learning to swim—using bar diagrams instead of forming algebraic equations to solve word problems.

Bar modeling, which is the heart and soul of the Singapore math curriculum, acts a bridge between elementary (or primary) math and middle school (or secondary) math—where concrete rectangles or bars are used instead of abstract variables for unknown quantities.

by Numerati December 28, 2024

Humancentric Model

A framework focused on aligning power structures and societal systems around the collective well-being and flourishing of humanity. It emphasizes disrupting binaries, decentralizing power, and developing new incentive structures.

The humancentric model proposes a radical shift in how we organize society, urging policymakers to prioritize collective well-being over corporate profit and to create systems that empower communities rather than centralizing control in the hands of a few.

by NakedEdmund February 19, 2025

Life Model

A proprietary personal development framework created by Ayori Selassie (see Wikipedia) that empowers individuals to intentionally design their lives with Life Model®, a structured approach integrating vision, values, goals, behaviors, and support systems.

The core element of Life Model® include Life Model® Canvas, Life Model Design® methodology, Life Model® Work Ethics, Life Model® Rest Ethics, 4 , and a 13-week transformation sprint to support sustainable behavior change and holistic well-being.

Trademark Note: Life Model® and Life Model Design® are registered trademarks of Ayori Selassie.

Using the Life Model®, she restructured her routines and mindset to align with her long-term purpose.

by Life Model March 29, 2025