Can Agent-Based Simulation Improve Dialogue Between Science and Theology?

Ted Metzler ()

Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 2002, vol. 5, issue 1, 5

Abstract: This essay introduces a novel application of agent-based simulation systems that promises to improve dialogue between a number of sciences and Christian theology. The account of work in progress first reviews a particular research area in which the scientific and religious communities have already engaged each other?the investigation of altruistic behavior. Although scientists have employed computer simulation methods in this work, theological and philosophical responses have not been equipped with comparable media for expressing their perspectives. A case is then presented for improving this ongoing dialogue by developing agent-based simulation tools with expanded representation capabilities that permit theologians to explore their own theoretical explanations for altruistic behavior. Initial steps toward development of such tools are reported.

Keywords: agent-based simulation; altruism; theology; computer science; economics; sociobiology; dialogue (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002-01-31
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jas:jasssj:2002-1-1

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