A Minimalist Epistemology for Agent-Based Simulations in the Artificial Sciences
Minds and Machines 29 (1):127-148 (2019)
Abstract
The epistemology of computer simulations has become a mainstream topic in the philosophy of technology. Within this large area, significant differences hold between the various types of models and simulation technologies. Agent-based and multi-agent systems simulations introduce a specific constraint on the types of agents and systems modelled. We argue that such difference is crucial and that simulation for the artificial sciences requires the formulation of its own specific epistemological principles. We present a minimally committed epistemology which relies on the methodological principles of the Philosophy of Information and requires weak assumptions on the usability of the simulation and the controllability of the model. We use these principles to provide a new definition of simulation for the context of interest.Author's Profile
DOI
10.1007/s11023-019-09489-4
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Citations of this work
Social Epistemology and Validation in Agent-Based Social Simulation.David Anzola - 2021 - Philosophy and Technology 34 (4):1333-1361.
References found in this work
Extending Ourselves: Computational Science, Empiricism, and Scientific Method.Paul Humphreys - 2004 - Oxford University Press.
The philosophical novelty of computer simulation methods.Paul Humphreys - 2009 - Synthese 169 (3):615 - 626.
Models, measurement and computer simulation: the changing face of experimentation.Margaret Morrison - 2009 - Philosophical Studies 143 (1):33-57.
The philosophy of simulation: hot new issues or same old stew?Roman Frigg & Julian Reiss - 2009 - Synthese 169 (3):593-613.