Computer-based Simulation Modelling for Anthropologists
Simulation is a means for evaluating speculation. Rather than
simply imagining how the different parts of social, cultural and individual life interact
together, you can use a simulation
to examine, explore and evaluate them within a context. Simulations
are often used to represent 'real' events, people and things.
In this unit we examine some of the issues underlying the use of
simulation in anthropology, including a range of simple
computer-based examples. These range from relatively concrete simulations of
physical objects or situations of
cultural importance, to more abstract simulations of social, economic and
political processes.