Model-dependent realism

Model-dependent realism is a philosophical concept primarily associated with the work of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. It emphasizes that our understanding of the universe is shaped by the models we use to interpret observations and experiences, rather than by any direct perception of reality itself. According to this view, different models or frameworks can provide valid explanations for the same phenomena, and the usefulness of a model is determined by how well it predicts and explains observations rather than its correspondence to an ultimate reality.