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Mapping an expanding territory: computer simulations in evolutionary biology.

Philippe Huneman1

  • 1Institut d'Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, CNRS/Université Paris I Sorbonne, 13 rue du Four, 75006, Paris, France, philippe.huneman@gmail.com.

History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
|December 18, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Computer simulations in evolutionary biology offer candidate explanations by instantiating causal processes. These simulations, particularly in Artificial Life research, help explore evolutionary dynamics and test hypotheses about the natural world.

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Artificial Life

Background:

  • Computer simulations are increasingly used in science, raising epistemological questions.
  • Evolutionary biology heavily relies on simulations, with Artificial Life research focusing on simulations themselves.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the specificity of computer simulations in evolutionary biology.
  • To examine their scope as explanations, validation processes, and relation to experiments/models.

Main Methods:

  • Distinguishing between weak (hypothesis testing) and strong (exploring un-extant dynamics) simulation uses.
  • Analyzing simulations' representational capacity via instantiation of causal processes.
  • Applying Levins' triangle to categorize simulation epistemic values (precision, realism, genericity).

Main Results:

  • Weak simulations can represent the world by instantiating isomorphic causal features.
  • Simulations provide candidate explanations for real-world patterns.
  • Simulations navigate trade-offs between precision, realism, and genericity.

Conclusions:

  • Computer simulations in evolutionary biology serve as valuable tools for generating candidate explanations.
  • Understanding the epistemological nuances of simulation use is crucial for scientific progress.
  • The framework of Levins' triangle helps elucidate the epistemic roles and limitations of simulations.