Agent-Based Modeling: The Right Mathematics for theSocial Sciences?

This study provides a basic introduction to agent-based modeling (ABM) as apowerful blend of classical and constructive mathematics, with a primary focus onits applicability for social science research. The typical goals of ABM social scienceresearchers are discussed along with the culture-dish nature of their computer experiments.The applicability of ABM for science more generally is also considered,with special attention to physics. Finally, two distinct types of ABM applicationsare summarized in order to illustrate concretely the duality of ABM: Real-worldsystems can not only be simulated with verisimilitude using ABM; they can also beefficiently and robustly designed and constructed on the basis of ABM principles.[...]