Simulation Models of the Evolution of Cooperation as Proofs of Logical Possibilities. How Useful Are They?

Etica E Politica 15 (2):101-138 (2013)
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Abstract

This paper discusses critically what simulation models of the evolution ofcooperation can possibly prove by examining Axelrod’s “Evolution of Cooperation” and the modeling tradition it has inspired. Hardly any of the many simulation models of the evolution of cooperation in this tradition have been applicable empirically. Axelrod’s role model suggested a research design that seemingly allowed to draw general conclusions from simulation models even if the mechanisms that drive the simulation could not be identified empirically. But this research design was fundamentally flawed, because it is not possible to draw general empirical conclusions from theoretical simulations. At best such simulations can claim to prove logical possibilities, i.e. they prove that certain phenomena are possible as the consequence of the modeling assumptions built into the simulation, but not that they are possible or can be expected to occur in reality I suggest several requirements under which proofs of logical possibilities can nevertheless be considered useful. Sadly, most Axelrod-style simulations do not meet these requirements. I contrast this with Schelling’s neighborhood segregation model, thecore mechanism of which can be retraced empirically

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Eckhart Arnold
Bavarian Academy of Sciences And Humanities

Citations of this work

Homepage Eckhart Arnold.Eckhart Arnold (ed.) - 2001 - Munich: Preprint.

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References found in this work

Economic Modelling as Robustness Analysis.Jaakko Kuorikoski, Aki Lehtinen & Caterina Marchionni - 2010 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 61 (3):541-567.
The Evolution of Reciprocal Altruism.Robert L. Trivers - 1971 - Quarterly Review of Biology 46 (1):35-57.
Deterministic Nonperiodic Flow.Edward Lorenz - 1963 - Journal of Atmospheric Sciences 20 (2):130-148.
Explaining the social contract.Zachary Ernst - 2001 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 52 (1):1-24.

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