How Computational Models Predict the Behavior of Complex Systems

被引:13
作者
Symons, John [1 ]
Boschetti, Fabio [2 ]
机构
[1] Univ Kansas, Dept Philosophy, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
[2] CSIRO Marine & Atmospher Res, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
关键词
Computational models; Prediction; Complexity; EXPLANATION; DYNAMICS; SCIENCE;
D O I
10.1007/s10699-012-9307-6
中图分类号
N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];
学科分类号
01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;
摘要
In this paper, we argue for the centrality of prediction in the use of computational models in science. We focus on the consequences of the irreversibility of computational models and on the conditional or ceteris paribus, nature of the kinds of their predictions. By irreversibility, we mean the fact that computational models can generally arrive at the same state via many possible sequences of previous states. Thus, while in the natural world, it is generally assumed that physical states have a unique history, representations of those states in a computational model will usually be compatible with more than one possible history in the model. We describe some of the challenges involved in prediction and retrodiction in computational models while arguing that prediction is an essential feature of non-arbitrary decision making. Furthermore, we contend that the non-predictive virtues of computational models are dependent to a significant degree on the predictive success of the models in question.
引用
收藏
页码:809 / 821
页数:13
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