Is there any truth to pure computational models of social life? | Encefalus

Description

First of all, I’m sorry for not having written for so long, but I am really busy. :-( Anyway, this time was not wasted, since I have passed a large part of my free time dealing with new ideas.

These ideas revolve around computation and a possible formal framework of methodology in social sciences.

In this article I want to discuss some thoughts that came to me after reading A New Kind of Science.

In this book, what Wolfram is essentialy proposing, is that simple programs like cellular automata can be the answer to all our prayers :-P He believes that they could replace mathematics, or work alongside with them.

This is an interesting approach (even though its claims have been criticised as overly too extravagant) . What I want to discuss here is if this could be possible in social sciences.

Original URL

http://encefalus.com/philosophical/truth-pure-computational-models-social-life/

http://encefalus.com/philosophical/truth-pure-computational-models-social-life/