Models are used to investigate possibilities in all scientific domains. Climate models simulate potential future climatic conditions under various emissions scenarios. Macroeconomic models examine the possible effects of policy measures on different sectors of the economy. Infectious disease modeling tracks the spread of viral diseases under a range of assumptions about behavioral, medical, and population factors. Model organisms are used to explore the possible effects of new types of medications. Engineers and scientists create synthetic models to research and develop new types of materials and biological structures. It should be obvious that one of the primary objectives of contemporary modeling practice is the study of possibilities, yet the philosophy of science has only recently begun addressing modeling the possible. How can this be the case? At least three distinct philosophical currents have led to the neglect of the modal side of modeling: the dominant representational approach to models, the philosophical emphasis on explanation, and, in some cases, general skepticism about modalities.