Evolutionary Perspectives on Simulations of Social Systems

The first part of the paper discusses modeling social systems from an evolutionary perspective. The main problems for evolutionary modeling, differentiation and structural change, possible approaches to these problems as well as hindrances to successful modeling are discussed. It is found that concepts of change processes need to be delimited more clearly, and combinatory emergence should be given more attention. Likewise theorizing on evolutionary processes needs to be broadened to be able to capture social phenomena. The results are used to evaluate simulation approaches for evolutionary processes in social systems: Classifier Systems, Genetic Algorithms, Evolution Strategies, Evolutionary Programming, Genetic Programming and simulations suites/programs are considered. For the latter some useful resources on the web are indicated