Models

Models of the world exist in all different spheres, from mathematics and physics to our own individual models. We need a point of reference with which to operate from, and a model of how we perceive the world is our primary means of reference. Every model is wrong, in some way shape or form. Some, however, prove to be useful and can provide meaningful new insights.

We generate schematic-like models often to represent larger phenomenon of events without the need to recreate the entire event. It is a means by which we can save energy and stay efficient in our daily lives. The system we are looking to describe may be more involved than the model can fully account for, however it captures many of the important details.

Models exist in regard to movement as well. Many different systems or approaches exist that look to explain how human movement occurs. As science has progressed, so have our explanations of the things we experience. Anatomical dissections have become more precise, study designs have built on previous work to make better experiments, and technology has advanced to a higher degree allowing for more observation. Despite this progress, we remain limited.

Regardless of the model we choose to use, knowing that there is more to learn is required for continued evolution. Staying curious, asking questions and challenging long-held beliefs is what drives innovation. Investigating adjacent fields and applying findings from said field to your own can have massive implications for further development. It may seem like a fools’ errand, but some of the most interesting inventions came from folks not really looking for them.

All too often we get stuck zooming into our craft attempting to see clearly, however lose the forest for the trees. A number of other viewpoints may explain the problem we are searching to solve, if only we took our eyes off of the supposed goal and looked with a beginner’s eyes. That particular viewpoint, the view of the beginner, removes constraints and allows for a view of the bigger picture.

Austin Ulrich, Physical Therapist