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Simulation modeling, the core thesis of Calculated Surprises, is transforming the established conception of mathematical modeling in fundamental ways. These transformations feed back into philosophy of science, opening up new perspectives on longstanding oppositions. The book integrates historical features with both practical case studies and broad reflections on science and technology.
List of contents
- Introduction
- Section I: A New Type of Mathematical Modeling
- Chapter 1: Experiment and Artificiality
- Chapter 2: Visualization and Interaction
- Chapter 3: Plasticity
- Chapter 4: Epistemic Opacity
- Chapter 5: A New Type of Mathematical Modeling
- Section II: Conceptual Transformations
- Chapter 6: Solution or Imitation?
- Chapter 7:Validation, Holism, and the Limits of Analysis
- Section III: Conclusion and Outlook
- Chapter 8: Novelty and Reality
- Bibliography
About the author
Johannes Lenhard is Lecturer of Philosophy and senior researcher at the Department of Philosophy and the Insititute for Interdisciplinary Research at Bielefeld University. He received his doctoral degree in mathematics from the University of Frankfurt and has a long track record of research in philosophy and history of computational methods in science and engineering.
Summary
Simulation modeling, the core thesis of Calculated Surprises, is transforming the established conception of mathematical modeling in fundamental ways. These transformations feed back into philosophy of science, opening up new perspectives on longstanding oppositions. The book integrates historical features with both practical case studies and broad reflections on science and technology.
Additional text
Lenhard has done a wonderful job connecting contemporary debates with the historical backdrop of computer simulations. On occasion, he surprises me with intriguing new examples and cases taken from the history of science and technology that have until now eluded my attention.
