Simulating Science: Computer Simulations as Scientific Instruments

This book provides a philosophical framework to understand computer simulations as scientific instruments, which is in contrast to existing philosophical approaches that have understood them as formal abstractions or as broadly construed empirical practices. It incorporates insights from the philosophy of technology and the history of science to offer a thorough overview of the philosophical issues regarding the design, development, and deployment of computer simulations in science and science-based policy making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book offers a groundbreaking philosophical framework to understand computer simulations as scientific instruments, a departure from traditional philosophical approaches that have viewed them as either formal abstractions or broad empirical practices. To support its argument, the volume conducts a comprehensive examination of conventional philosophical approaches and their limitations, while also incorporating insights from the philosophy of technology and the history of science. As a result, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical issues surrounding the design, development, and deployment of computer simulations in science and science-based policy-making.

The traditional philosophical approaches to computer simulations have been limited in their ability to fully comprehend their role as scientific instruments. These approaches have typically viewed computer simulations as either formal abstractions or as broad empirical practices, failing to recognize their unique characteristics and significance. The book aims to rectify this by providing a philosophical framework that encompasses both the formal and empirical aspects of computer simulations.

The book begins by exploring the traditional philosophical approaches to computer simulations. It examines the rationalist and empiricist traditions, which view computer simulations as tools for generating empirical knowledge and as means of testing scientific theories. However, the book argues that these approaches are insufficient for understanding computer simulations as scientific instruments.

The rationalist tradition, for example, emphasizes the importance of logical reasoning and deductive reasoning in the construction of scientific theories. It views computer simulations as a means of generating empirical data that can be used to test these theories. However, the book argues that computer simulations are not merely tools for generating data; they are also instruments for generating new hypotheses and theories. Computer simulations can be used to explore complex systems and phenomena that are difficult or impossible to observe in the real world. They can also be used to test the validity of existing theories and hypotheses by generating data that contradicts them.

The empiricist tradition, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation in the construction of scientific knowledge. It views computer simulations as a means of simulating real-world phenomena and testing scientific theories. However, the book argues that computer simulations are not merely simulations; they are also instruments for generating new insights and understanding. Computer simulations can be used to explore the behavior of complex systems and phenomena that are difficult or impossible to observe in the real world. They can also be used to test the validity of existing theories and hypotheses by generating data that supports them.

In addition to examining the traditional philosophical approaches, the book also incorporates insights from the philosophy of technology and the history of science. It explores the role of computer simulations in the development of scientific knowledge and technology. It examines the ways in which computer simulations have been used to test scientific theories, develop new technologies, and inform scientific policy-making. The book also explores the ethical and social implications of computer simulations, such as their potential to perpetuate biases and discrimination, and their impact on the environment and society.

By incorporating insights from the philosophy of technology and the history of science, the book provides a more comprehensive understanding of computer simulations as scientific instruments. It recognizes that computer simulations are not merely tools for generating data or simulating real-world phenomena; they are also instruments for generating new insights and understanding. The book provides philosophers of science, technologists, and other researchers interested in the topic with a thorough overview of the philosophical issues regarding the design, development, and deployment of computer simulations in science and science-based policy-making.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking philosophical framework to understand computer simulations as scientific instruments. It provides a comprehensive examination of conventional philosophical approaches and their limitations, while also incorporating insights from the philosophy of technology and the history of science. The book offers philosophers of science, technologists, and other researchers interested in the topic with a thorough overview of the philosophical issues regarding the design, development, and deployment of computer simulations in science and science-based policy-making.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031386466
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023