Here we run into one of simulation's weaknesses: you can't simulate what doesn't exist. You can't simulate an idea or a concept or anything that hasn't been realized in a systemic way.
The easiest way around this weakness is by analogy: simulate a system that doesn't exist by starting with an analogous system that does exist and add suitable modifications. Analogy works best in well-understood, closed environments, such as hardware design. Open environments or environments that are not well understood may not have any analogs, or may have analogs that are not well understood. Simulations in the social sciences tend to have difficulties with the lack of real systems and suitable analogs.
This page last modified on 7 February 2005.