Computational modeling and social simulation as a support for understanding complexity

Abstract

This article explores how computational modeling, and social simulation can support the understanding of complexity present in various contexts, including contexts of social interaction. To achieve this, it provides an introduction moving from the general to the specific, highlighting how humanity, as a society, has faced complex problems throughout its history, filled with uncertainty and non-linearity. It emphasizes the need for new analytical methods to address these issues from different perspectives. Furthermore, it points out that, thanks to technological advancements, powerful computer-based methods, such as computational modeling, are available to simulate, analyze, and study entire societies. This approach also aids in resolving and understanding observations by anticipating events, making it possible to forecast the future of the simulated scenarios.

The document also justifies the importance of modeling, addressing the types and techniques of computational modeling as well as its applications. Moreover, it underscores the significance of social simulation in understanding societies, analyzing its characteristics, techniques, and how it can be used and applied as a method. Finally, conclusions are drawn on how computational modeling and social simulation contribute to a better understanding of the world we live in and provide a vision of the future to improve society’s quality of life.