in my books and blog posts i have often noted that my research into dualist interactionism utilizes the neural synapse as a model for study. in chapter 20 of dr. ross’s book he discusses the use Of a model:
“in science, the term ‘model’ refers to the schematic description of a physical or living system, or combined set of systems, that accounts for its origin and operation. a model is more than an idea, inference, method, hypothesis, or rudimentary theory. it is a reasonable and well-developed attempt to explain the entire scope of a particulAR SYSTEM, AS WELL AS THAT SYSTEM’S RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PHENOMENA. . . . USING A MODEL APPROACH SUPPLIES RESEARCHERS AND BIBLE SCHOLARS WITH A SUFFICIENTLY DETAILED OUTLINE TO ASSIST IN FURTHER STUDY. IT PORTRAYS HOW, WHEN, WHERE, AND WHY A PHENOMENON, OR A SET OF PHENOMENA, TAKES PLACE. IT ANTICIPATES FUTURE DISCOVERIES OR BIBLICAL INSIGHTS THAT COULD EITHER VERIFY OR FALSIFY THE MODEL’S EXPLANATION. IN SCIENCE, THE BEST MODELS ALSO YIELD SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH THAT COULD POTENTIALLY IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SYSTEMS OR PHENOMENA THEY ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN. . . . GIVEN THAT NEITHER SCIENTISTS NOR THEOLOGIANS CAN KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ANY PARTICULAR SYSTEM, NO MODEL CAN OFFER A PERFECT EXPLANATION. HOWEVER, AS DIFFERENT MODELS ARE COMPARED AND CONTRASTED AND MORE THOROUGHLY TESTED, SCIENTIFIC AND THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING ADVANCES.”