The Dark Side of the Force: When computer simulations lead us astray and "model think" narrows our imagination
- Pre conference draft for the Models and Simulations Conference, Paris, June 12-14 -

by Eckhart Arnold

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Different aims of computer simulations in science

3 Criteria for "explanatory" simulations

4 Simulations that fail to explain
    4.1 Axelrod style simulations of the "evolution of cooperation"
        4.1.1 Typical features of Axelrod style simulations
        4.1.2 How Axelrod style simulations work
        4.1.3 The explanatory irrelevance of Axelrod-style simulations in social sciences
        4.1.4 Do Axelrod-style simulations do any better in biology?
    4.2 Can we simulate the "Social Contract"?

5 Conclusions

Bibliography

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