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Digital Library

of the European Council for Modelling and Simulation

 

Title:

A Critique Of Agent-Based Simulation In Ecology

Authors:

Michael Hauhs, Baltasar Trancón y Widemann

Published in:

 

(2012).ECMS 2012 Proceedings edited by: K. G. Troitzsch, M. Moehring, U. Lotzmann. European Council for Modeling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2012 

 

ISBN: 978-0-9564944-4-3

 

26th European Conference on Modelling and Simulation,

Shaping reality through simulation

Koblenz, Germany, May 29 – June 1 2012

 

Citation format:

Hauhs, M., & Trancon y Widemann, B. (2012). A Critique Of Agent-Based Simulation In Ecology. ECMS 2012 Proceedings edited by: K. G. Troitzsch, M. Moehring, U. Lotzmann (pp. 23-30). European Council for Modeling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2012-0023-0030

DOI:

http://dx.doi.org/10.7148/2012-0023-0030

Abstract:

Models link empirical observations with formal reason- ing. If the computer plays an essential role in their func- tioning, it seems only fair to consider theoretical com- puter science as well as the discipline of application. We review some perennial philosophical problems about the nature of state and behaviour in models from that per- spective. A mathematical framework for their explica- tion and the unbiased choice of solutions is proposed. Agent-based models play an increasing role in ecolog- ical modelling. They are taken here as an example for demonstrating critical assumptions and dilemmas in in- tegrating criteria of methodological rigour with practical relevance of models. Some possible solutions and their practical implications are outlined based on this new the- oretical perspective.

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