2.2.5 Modelling and Simulations

Social and ethical issues

Students must study and evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of modelling and simulations. These may include:

Topic 101: reliability of predictions based on computer models, for example, weather, global warming by Roger

Topic 102: economic effects of the use of models to design and test new products by Haider

Topic 103: security issues involved in military simulations by Su Chen

Topic 104: social impact of reliance on simulations to examine issues of public policy by Haider

Topic 105: responsibility of the designer for accuracy of assumptions underlying the model by Raymon

Topic 106: ethical considerations involved in deciding when to use models or simulations to ensure human safety by Chaan

Knowledge of technology

In order to study and evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of modelling and simulations, the student must have an understanding of related technological concepts. These may include:

Topic 107: Key terms by Marek—model, simulation, feedback loop

Topic 108: faulty or hidden assumptions by Chaan

Topic 109: extent and effect of the simplification of reality by Xiao Xiao

Topic 110: extent to which the phenomenon being modelled is understood by no one yet

Topic 111: processing power needed to create complex models by Raymon

Topic 112: visualization of information by Sam

Topic 113: correspondence of the model with reality. by Tomer