Module Models and Modelling: 17. Foundations

We are surrounded by models, use models whenever it is appropriate, redevelop models whenever this is necessary, and utilise models also at the intrinsic, inner, internal, and intuitive levels. The earliest source of systematic model consideration we know is Heraclitus with his concept of logos. Explicit model development and model deployment is almost as old as the mankind, however. For instance, Ancient Egyptians already made sophisticated use of models. So, essentially, it is an old subdiscipline of most natural sciences and engineering with a history of more than 5000 years. The notion of model and the term of model have not been explicitly used at that historic time. There were many different notions and terms. Models have, however, been the basis of understanding, manipulation, and engineering.