Hi!
A old, but classic book on the theme of modeling, is:
Models and Metaphors: Studies in Language and Philosophy, by Max Black.
It hard to find it, but you can try a library.
A good paper is:
Di Paolo, E. A., Noble, J. & Bullock, S. (2000). Simulation models as opaque
thought experiments. Artificial Life VII: The Seventh International
Conference on the Simulation and Synthesis of Living Systems, Reed College,
Portland, Oregon, USA, 1-6 August, 2000.
You can downloaded from the authors homepage:
http://www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/users/ezequiel/papers.html
JASSS also has some paper on the issue. Including a book review of "Modelling
and Simulation in the Social Sciences from a Philosophy of Science Point of
View" at:
http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/4/2/reviews/henrickson.html
Cheers,
Jorge.
Barry Markovsky wrote:
> I'm revising a manuscript on the relationship between computer simulations,
> theories and empirical tests. Part of the closing section reviews (and
> defeats) a number of common stereotypes and distortions, e.g.:
>
> Simulation research ...
>
> ... is crass empiricism
>
> ... is inelegant
>
> ... is easier to conduct than "real" research
>
> ... can generate any results that you want
>
> ... oversimplifies
>
> I've found that these and other such myths and distortions ring true with
> those of us who've written simulations. Unfortunately, however, reviewers
> of the first draft regarded some of them as "straw men," despite the fact
> that I (and others) have seen them offered as criticisms against the use of
> simulation. The problem is that my only evidence for the propogation of
> these criticisms is anecdotal. It comes from journal reviews, conferences,
> word-of-mouth, and so on.
>
> My question for the group is this: Are you aware of any *published*
> critiques of the use of computer simulations, especially by social
> scientists?
>
> Also, if there are other such general, ill-informed criticisms that you'd
> like to share, please do!
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Barry Markovsky
--
:o) Jorge Paulo Ferreira Simao [log in to unmask] :o)
PhD Student at Computer Science Department, FCT / New University of Lisbon;
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