This book addresses key conceptual issues relating to the modern scientific and engineering use of computer simulations. It analyses a broad set of questions, from the nature of computer simulations to their epistemological power, including the many scientific, social and ethics implications of using computer simulations. The book is written in an easily accessible narrative, one that weaves together philosophical questions and scientific technicalities. It will thus appeal equally to all academic scientists, engineers, and researchers in industry interested in questions (and conceivable answers) related to the general practice of computer simulations.

Autorentext

Juan M. Durán is currently a lecturer at Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands). He has previously held several appointments, including research positions at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Argentina), and at the High Performance Computing Center Stuttgart, University of Stuttgart (Germany). He received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Stuttgart and the Stuttgart Research Centre for Simulation Technology (Germany). He graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina) in philosophy and computer science.

Klappentext

This book addresses key conceptual issues relating to the modern scientific and engineering use of computer simulations. It analyses a broad set of questions, from the nature of computer simulations to their epistemological power, including the many scientific, social and ethics implications of using computer simulations. The book is written in an easily accessible narrative, one that weaves together philosophical questions and scientific technicalities. It will thus appeal equally to all academic scientists, engineers, and researchers in industry interested in questions (and conceivable answers) related to the general practice of computer simulations.

Inhalt
Introduction.- The universe of computer simulations.- Units of analysis I: Models and computer simulations.- Units of analysis II: Laboratory experimentation and computer simulations.- Trusting computer simulations.- Epistemological functions of computer simulations.- Technological Paradigms.- Ethics and computer simulations.