Social simulation: a new way to do research in social science?

Abstract

This papers offers a brief review of the social simulation, which can he considered a way to model social processes, and also as an instrument for sociological research. First of all, key concepts such that model, mathematical model, social simulation and social artificial intelligence are defined. Secondly, a variety of models of social artificial intelligence and its applications are displayed. Finally, there are some methodological consideration about social simulation.