Social Simulation Sequencing:
Constructing the Software Architecture for Systematic Political Science

by Dallas F. Bell, Jr.

Prolegomena

The anthropocentric domain encompassed by the academic discipline of systematic political science has substance, movement, and laws similar to those seen in the rest of our particle universe. Like the cosmos, systematic political science begins at its smallest points called singularities (theology, T) [1]. They characterize the possible human behaviors of analytic functions that make complex analysis achievable. From the singularities, vectors (epistemology; rationality, R) project accordingly. Strictly speaking, a vector is an element of a vector space such as x is a vector space and all elements of x are vectors. The vectors form the individual (B) and societal (W) parametrics. A parametric can be understood as a set of equations that express a set of qualities as explicit functions of independent variables or parameters. The variables of the master equation, along with coordinate points, can be changed to create another like outcome. For example, an equation for engineering a wrench may involve increasing the variable of length. The equation outcome would still produce a wrench but only a larger wrench than the previous model. The same is true for human behavior. Human needs remain the same but the options of rationality fluctuate. Their varying coordinates are plotted to reflect those realities [2]. The parametrics are contingent on the corresponding magnitude (eschatology, E). The magnitude potential is derived from the beginning singularity.

Computer simulations have recently become useful to help visualize and predict relationships ranging from those found in astronomy to those found in the microscopic world of DNA [3]. Examples of simulation include statistical, agent based, human cognitive and performance, and etc. The common feature shared by all simulations is the attempt to generate a sample of representation scenarios for a model where enumeration of all possible states of the model is impossible. The validity or trust of forthcoming simulation models requires verification and reproducibility of their results.

Software architecture is the structure of a system using the elements and relationships of software and external properties. Architecture is a design but software design is the next level, i.e. software design per se is the implementation of the architecture design constraints. The purpose of this paper is to provide the sequential steps of social simulation. That process may also be seen as beginning the construction of the modules or architectural input for systematic political science software design. This is an interdisciplinary undertaking and esoteric computer architecture terms will be avoided. An architecture expert tool may be used along with the presented material to implement more precise modeling tactics.

The following constraints, connectors, and components of social simulation should be considered sensitive. They are placed in sequence and are therefore sensitive to change. The subsequent architecture scenario anticipates use by all those interested in human and societal behavior. It would be expected that minor alterations be made to statistical input but it is not anticipated to have additions or subtractions of major components.

Simulation Scenarios

Specific--the number and type of agents are known by time and environment of action.

Nonspecific--the number and/or type of agents nor the time or environment of action may be specifically known.

The agents refer to the complex systems of individual humans or institutions or nation-states. They may be observed as coupled in a nonlinear manner becoming more than the sum of their parts and exhibiting seemingly discoordinated behaviors that are difficult at times to accurately predict. Systematic political science indicates that they demonstrate the nonlinear attributes of flexible qualitatively behavior at different times commonly associated with bifurcation in dynamic systems [4]. Complex systems exchange energy and matter with their environment and are thus thought of as open systems.

Simulation Scope

Microsimulation--simulation of an individual(s) [5].

Intermediatesimulation--simulation of a group(s) of individuals that comprise an institution(s).

Macrosimulation--simulation of the institutions that make up a nation-state(s) [6].

Each of these categories may be either specific or nonspecific.

Simulation Sources

Active input--input that is generated, e.g. polls, language analysis, etc.

Passive input--input that is naturally generated such as voting results, speech, etc.

Simulation Strategies

Person--a person(s) acts and interacts with others to simulate a scenario.

Computer--a computer(s) uses agents and criteria to simulate a scenario.

Combination--a person(s) and a computer(s) are both used separately or in tandem to simulate a scenario.

Each strategy can be secondary to another primary strategy to validate results.

Simulation Software

Direct--software developed specifically for the simulation.

Indirect--software created for other uses but can be used for the simulation.

The software constitutes the parts of the source and strategy for data computation. Its purpose is to establish the compliance with or noncompliance with Natural Laws of Freewill (NLF) [7]. That data is then plotted using the Manifold Equation of Theological Asymmetry (META) formulae [8]. A manifold may be defined as the coordinates of a geometric space of the numbers of a dynamic system. A dynamic system has a fixed rule that describes what future states follow. In the case of social simulation, the fixed individual or societal need level follows to the next higher level unless a stimulus causes recalibration. That behavior is evaluated by the anchors of NLF. Being more compliant with NLF is considered to be more lawful, whole, integral, or righteous. Being less compliant with NLF is considered to be more unlawful, unwholesome, lacking integrity, unrighteous or wicked.

Simple software like NetLogo [9] may be used as indirect software. Cognitive software platforms such as ACT-R [10] Roman" > and SOAR [11] may be useful. RePast [12] could be employed for agent based simulation. StarLogo [13] is often used for models with a decentralized system. Corpora tools involve Parts of Speech (POS) taggers, parsers, treebanks [14], disambiguators, sense clusters, etc. Unrelated software should be merged or modified whenever possible to make them more useful, for example the network analysis toolkit ORA [15].

Examples

Specific Microsimulation

--An individual; establish a simulation strategy, make META plots, determine T and R tracks and B level using all sources and tools, apply the appropriate environment/time criteria, simulate the interaction with the NLF based stimulus to accomplish the simulation purpose (e.g. referencing the suitability of the individual for a security clearance), repeat or compare the results for verification.

Nonspecific Microsimulation

--Several individuals; establish a simulation strategy, determine T and R tracks and B levels, apply the appropriate environment/time criteria, simulate the interaction with the NLF based stimulus to accomplish the simulation purpose (e.g. define the risk parameters of a geographic region for real estate investment), repeat or compare the results for verification.

Specific Intermediatesimulation

--The owners and employees of a company; establish a simulation strategy, make META plots, determine T and R tracks and B level using all sources and tools, apply the appropriate environment/time criteria, simulate the interaction with the NLF based stimulus to accomplish the simulation purpose (e.g. determine the trustworthiness of business contracts), repeat or compare the results for verification.

Nonspecific Intermediatesimulation

--A company; establish a simulation strategy, determine T and R tracks and B levels, apply the appropriate environment/time criteria, simulate the interaction with the NLF based stimulus to accomplish the simulation purpose (e.g. evaluate the decision making process of a company toward a competitor), repeat or compare the results for verification.

Specific Macrosimulation

--The internal behavior of a nation-state; establish a simulation strategy, make META plots, determine T and R tracks and B levels of the P1, P2, and P3 for the W level using all sources and tools, apply the appropriate environment/time criteria, simulate the interaction with the NLF based stimulus to accomplish the simulation purpose (e.g. predict the direction of the nation-state's constitutional law), repeat or compare the results for verification.

Nonspecific Macrosimulation

--The external behavior of a nation-state; establish a simulation strategy, determine T and R tracks and B levels of the P1, P2, and P3 for the W level, apply the appropriate environment/time criteria, simulate the interaction with the NLF based stimulus to accomplish the simulation purpose (e.g. forecast a nation-state likely to offensively use weapons of mass destruction in an unprovoked manner), repeat or compare the results for verification.

As a final note it should be emphasized that accurate simulation, not unlike history, can be expected to be ignored by those that are not compliant with the reality of NLF. However, what is true cannot always be undermined and whatever is false will ultimately fail. The second generation structure of systematic political science modules should have a more nonproprietary or open systems architecture. Obviously, that change will give the product more efficient results and make it easier to use. Improvement in both those areas should lead to greater dissemination of anthropocentric truth.

-----------------ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2006 DALLAS F. BELL, JR.--------------