Usual apologies for cross postings...
Call for papers: AAG 2006
Models as Theory; Models as Explanation
Recent years have seen a major resurgence of the use of modeling and
simulation techniques in human geography. For some, these models are an
essential tool for exploring complex theoretical interactions that do
not lend themselves well to other forms of representation. For others,
these models represent predictive tools with explanatory power and
practical policy relevance. Never far away, however, are the critiques
of positivism and spatial fetishism that have marginalized quantitative
techniques more generally in many areas of geographic research. How
these models are used raises important questions about epistemology and
about the capacity of geographic research to have an impact in policy
circles. In practice, however, epistemological questions are too
frequently considered without reference to actual models, while
published accounts of models used in a policy or predictive context
rarely address epistemological critiques head on. This session will
attempt to bridge this gap by providing a forum in which authors will
discuss how they have dealt with issues of epistemology and policy
relevance in their own work.
Prospective authors should submit a paper based on a spatial model. The
presentation should provide a brief summary of relevant elements of the
model, but focus on the way(s) that the author(s) dealt with the twin
issues of epistemology and a desire to make results relevant in a policy
context.
Please contact me at [log in to unmask] if you are interested or
have any questions.
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