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Explaining the Past with ABM: On Modelling Philosophy Read chapter Read first chapter

2015 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

11. How Did Sugarscape Become a Whole Society Model?

Author : André Costopoulos

Published in: Agent-based Modeling and Simulation in Archaeology

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

In some regions of the disciplines, highly abstract models such as Sugarscape are now seen as a new kind of whole society model better able to help us understand human societies than their realistic and detailed predecessors. I trace the evolution of archaeological simulation from its realist-generalist roots to its abstract generalist present. Initial models focused on particular archaeological contexts, but their aim was to create general explanations of human social and archaeological phenomena. Highly realist and particularist models soon followed that prioritized detailed understanding of a particular case for its own sake. Models are now emerging that seek to create general explanations of human phenomena and that use completely abstract contexts that are not tied to any particular archaeological case. Whole society modeling was initially seen as requiring very realistic portrayals of particular contexts.

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previous chapter Simulating Patagonian Territoriality in Prehistory: Space, Frontiers and Networks Among Hunter-Gatherers
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Metadata
Title
How Did Sugarscape Become a Whole Society Model?
Author
André Costopoulos
Copyright Year
2015
Book
Agent-based Modeling and Simulation in Archaeology

Print ISBN: 978-3-319-00007-7

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-00008-4

Copyright Year: 2015

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00008-4_11

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