Methodology in the large: Modeling all there is
Brian R. Gaines · Systems Research · 1984
Abstract The human mind has been inventive of a multitude of methodologies to explain observed phenomena, predict possible worlds, determine which ones should be made real and bring this about. In recent years the computer has enhanced our capability to project the detail of possible worlds and widen our vision of the consequences of our actions. We bring together the physical and human variables, political and economic policies and constraints of resources and expect increasing model realism. With advances in computer technology we have begun to see the possibility of large‐scale methodologies that eventually cope with all there is. This paper is concerned with placing our endeavours for model realism in the socioeconomic sphere within the much broader context of humankind's overall endeavours for model realism. It expresses the main philosophical problems underlying our situation in a parable, and then goes on to sketch some of the solutions proposed for them in the past. It concludes with a model for the role of the computer as a vehicle to explore Popper's World 3, and the use of his notion of three worlds to express the different styles and motivations of schools of modeling and concepts of realism.