Integrating Computer Simulation and Social Theory for the Planning and Managing Complex Problems

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide some theoretical, methodological, and practical guidelines for researching, planning, and managing complex problems. This concept entails integrating the contributions from complexity theory in science and the humanities while bridging the gap between the complexity sciences and complex thought. We analyze the theoretical background associated with the concept of complex problems as well as its methodological challenges. We claim that integrating computer simulation and social theory is relevant for planning and managing complex problems because it amounts to exploring the future. We tackle this issue through a concrete social simulation platform called the SocLab framework, and we apply it to a public policy case study. We describe creating a conceptual, empirical, and computational model for an instance of public policy using SocLab, and we conduct a structural and simulation analysis. We conclude with some theoretical and practical remarks on the implications of complex problems for science and politics.