What is so special about analogue simulations?

TL;DR

This paper defends the view that terrestrial analogue simulations in black hole physics are best understood as inferences from material analogy, offering a credible epistemological account aligned with current scientific practice.

Contribution

It proposes a novel account of analogue simulations as inferences from material analogy, challenging existing epistemological theories in the context of black hole physics.

Findings

The analogy-based account aligns well with scientific practice.

It provides a more credible epistemological framework than alternatives.

Supports the use of analogue simulations in black hole research.

Abstract

This paper defends an account of terrestrial analogue simulations in black hole physics as instances of inferences from material analogy in science (Hesse 1963). We outline the main verdicts and recommendations deriving from this analysis, arguing that they not only fit the existing practice but are also more credible than those supported by prominent epistemological alternatives (e.g., Crowther et al. 2019, Dardashti et al. 2019).