ΛCDM and MOND: A debate about models or theory?

Area of Science:

• Cosmology
• Theoretical Physics
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• The Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) and Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) debate is traditionally framed as a conflict between competing gravitational theories.
• Philosophical analyses suggest the ΛCDM-MOND debate exemplifies difficulties inherent in multiscale modeling within cosmology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the philosophical discussion by reinterpreting the ΛCDM-MOND debate.
• To offer a model-focused perspective, shifting the emphasis from competing theories to the challenges of scientific modeling.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the ΛCDM-MOND debate.
• Application of philosophical frameworks for understanding scientific modeling.
• Examination of scale extension and domain generalization in scientific models.

Main Results:

• A model-focused interpretation provides a clearer understanding of the ΛCDM-MOND debate's core issues.
• Challenges in extending models across different scales or domains are illuminated.
• The importance of 'explanatory fit' in model development and evaluation is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Viewing the ΛCDM-MOND debate through a modeling lens offers significant advantages over a purely theoretical one.
• This perspective better addresses the complexities of applying models in cosmological contexts.
• Understanding model-focused challenges is crucial for advancing cosmological research and theory development.