Title: Science in the age of computer simulation /
Authors: Winsberg, Eric B.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press,
Year: 2010
Subjects: Science Data processing Philosophy.; Knowledge, Theory of; Science Experiments Computer simulation.; Science Methodology; Science Philosophy
Abstract: Computer simulation was first pioneered as a scientific tool in meteorology and nuclear physics in the period following World War II, but it has grown rapidly to become indispensible in a wide variety of scientific disciplines, including astrophysics, high-energy physics, climate science, engineering, ecology, and economics. Digital computer simulation helps study phenomena of great complexity, but how much do we know about the limits and possibilities of this new scientific practice? How do simulations compare to traditional experiments? And are they reliable? Eric Winsberg seeks to answer these questions.
Contents: Introduction -- Sanctioning models : theories and their scope -- Methodology for a virtual world -- A tale of two methods -- When theories shake hands -- Models of climate : values and uncertainties -- Reliability without truth -- Conclusion.