Max Weber and the chemistry of the Protestant ethic

2021 ◽  
pp. 053901842110528
Author(s):  
Dávid Kollár
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Max Weber ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Protestant Ethic ◽  
Qualitative Properties ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Elective Affinity ◽  
Science Models ◽  
Strong Resemblance

This article aims to reconstruct a possible interpretation of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism through the concept of elective affinity, which, as I have read, records fundamental implications for social science thinking. I argue that, in contrast to mechanical descriptions, Weber’s model sought to capture social phenomena through interactions between elements with heterogeneous qualitative properties. This effort, in turn, bears a very strong resemblance to the operation of social science models examining the functioning of complex systems. In line with this, I proceed as follows: first, I briefly outline the backbone of the argument of The Protestant Ethic, and then, through the concept of elective affinity, show how it can be fitted into one of the defining lines of current social science approaches. In line with this, I attempt to discuss the argument of The Protestant Ethic in the context of agent-based models. I argue that Weber’s approach can be seen as essentially a prototype of agent-based modeling.

Multi-Agent Simulation in Organizations

2011 ◽  
pp. 2728-2733
Author(s):  
Nikola Vlahovic ◽  
Vlatko Ceric
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Social Constructs ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Systems ◽  
Agent Simulation ◽  
Multi Agent

Most economic and business systems are complex, dynamic, and nondeterministic systems. Different modeling techniques have been used for representing real life economic and business organizations either on a macro level (such as national economics) or micro level (such as business processes within a firm or strategies within an industry). Even though general computer simulation was used for modeling various systems (Zeigler, 1976) since the 1970s the limitation of computer resources did not allow for in-depth simulation of dynamic social phenomena. The dynamics of social systems and impact of the behavior of individual entities in social constructs were modeled using mathematical modeling or system dynamics. With the growing interest in multi agent systems that led to its standardization in the 1990s, multi agent systems were proposed for the use of modeling social systems (Gilbert & Conte, 1995). Multi agent simulation was able to provide a high level disintegration of the models and proper treatment of inhomogeneity and individualism of the agents, thus allowing for simulation of cooperation and competition. A number of simulation models were developed in the research of biological and ecological systems, such as models for testing the behavior and communication between social insects (bees and ants). Artificial systems for testing hypothesis about social order and norms, as well as ancient societies (Kohler, Gumerman, & Reynolds, 2005) were also simulated. Since then, agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) established itself as an attractive modeling technique (Klugl, 2001; Moss & Davidsson, 2001). Numerous software toolkits were released, such as Swarm, Repast, MASON and SeSAm. These toolkits make agent-based modeling easy enough to be attractive to practitioners from a variety of subject areas dealing with social interactions. They make agent-based modeling accessible to a large number of analysts with less programming experience.

scholarly journals Ontology, a Mediator for Agent-Based Modeling in Social Science

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Livet ◽  
Jean-Pierre Muller ◽  
Denis Phan ◽  
Lena Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Agent Based

Agent-Based Modeling: Value Added to Social Work Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-311
Author(s):  
Emily S. Ihara ◽  
JoAnn S. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Computational Method ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Social Work Research ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
The Social

Social workers have taken large strides in adopting rigorous research methods, yet there have been computational advances that could enhance the social work knowledge base. This article introduces a computational method, agent-based modeling, which can facilitate theoretical and methodological innovations by strengthening the alignment of our research methods with common social work theories. We review three theories, identify how current methods do not allow for the full exploration of the social phenomena under investigation, and provide justification for using agent-based modeling.

scholarly journals PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR APPLICATION OF AGENT-BASED MODELLING IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF INFLUENCE

2021 ◽  
pp. 116-139
Author(s):  
В. В. Латынов
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Level ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Model Complexity ◽  
Agent Based Model ◽  
Agent Based Models ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
The Impact

В статье обсуждаются вопросы применения агент-ориентированного моделирования в психологических исследованиях. Данный вид моделирования используется для изучения систем, состоящих из большого количества взаимодействующих друг с другом агентов. Рассматривается текущее состояние и перспективы использования агентных моделей. Выделяются основные направления применения агент-ориентированного моделирования в психологии: генерирование новых и совершенствование уже существующих теорий; проверка исследовательских гипотез; построение сложных моделей социальных явлений и процессов, включающих психологические закономерности разного типа. Формулируются задачи, требующие решения при создании агентной модели: задание оптимального уровня сложности модели; достижение ее психологического реализма; выбор качеств, которыми будут обладать агенты; определение правил их взаимодействия с другими агентами и средой взаимодействия. Обсуждается проблема калибрования агентной модели, т. е. основанного на данных экспериментальных исследований обоснования необходимости введения конкретных качеств и правил взаимодействия агентов. Рассматриваются возможности агент-ориентированного моделирования при изучении процессов психологического воздействия. Выделяются теории и эмпирические закономерности, требующие учета при создании агентных моделей в области психологии воздействия. Эти теории и закономерности относятся главным образом к двум областям психологического исследования, ориентированным, соответственно, на анализ закономерностей восприятия, изменения и выражения мнений и аттитюдов на уровне отдельного индивида («двухпроцессный» подход, модель знаний о воздействии М. Фристэда и П. Райта); изучение закономерностей, связанных с влиянием на мнения, аттитюды и поведение человека его членства в группе и позиции его окружения (теория «лидеров мнения», теории групповой идентичности). The article discusses the application of agent-based modeling in psychological research. This type of modeling is used to study systems consisting of a large number of agents interacting with each other. The current state and prospects of using agent-based models are considered. The main directions of application of agent-based modeling in psychology are highlighted: generating new and improving existing theories; testing research hypotheses; construction of complex models of social phenomena and processes, including psychological patterns of various types. The tasks that need to be solved when creating an agent-based model are formulated: setting the optimal level of model complexity; achieving her psychological realism; choice of qualities that agents will possess; defining the rules for their interaction with other agents and the interaction environment. The problem of calibrating the agent-based model is discussed, that is, substantiating the need to introduce specific qualities and rules for the interaction of agents based on experimental research data. The possibilities of agent-based modeling in the study of the processes of psychological influence are considered. Theories and empirical patterns are highlighted that require consideration when creating agent-based models in the field psychology of influence. These theories and patterns relate mainly to two areas of psychological research, focused, respectively, on the analysis of patterns of perception, change and expression of opinions and attitudes at the level of an individual ("two-process" approach, the model of knowledge about the impact of M. Freestad and P. Wright); study of the patterns associated with the influence on the opinions, attitudes and behavior of a person by his membership in a group and the position of his environment (theory of "opinion leaders", theories of group identity).

Trajectories to Complexity in Artificial Societies: Rationality, Belief, and Emotions

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim E. Doran
Keyword(s):  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Agent Technology ◽  
Target System ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Underlying Assumption ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Artificial Societies ◽  
Intelligence Studies ◽  
Computer Based

This chapter illustrates and discusses the use of agent-based artificial societies to explore possible trajectories into social complexity through the integration of ideas from both anthropology and agent technology. Particular attention is paid to the role of rational cooperation, collective belief, and emotional dynamics in these trajectories. Some methodological problems associated with the use of artificial societies to build social theory are also discussed, especially how best to reduce the impact of our own cultural preconceptions. Computer simulation work in archaeology and anthropology is more than 25 years old (see Doran and Hodson 1975, chapter 11; Doran 1990; and compare Halpin to appear). After a period of enthusiasm in the early 1980s interest waned, but recently there have been a number of important computer-based studies of (human) social phenomena using so-called agent-based modeling (e.g., Kohler et al. this volume) and agent-based artificial societies (e.g., Epstein and Axtell 1996), and more are in progress. Both types of study involve (software) agents, that is, according to a standard textbook definition, entities which perceive and act in an environment (Russell and Norvig 1995:49). Reactive agents are typically built around a small number of relatively simple situation-to-action rules. Deliberative agents are more complex, typically posting goals and then forming and executing plans to achieve them. It is this rapidly developing "agent technology," largely based upon artificial intelligence studies, that is the driving force behind the new work. The methodology associated with both agent-based modeling and agentbased artificial societies emphasizes the ability to address explicitly processes of cognition, and hence phenomena that previous models could not tackle, and also the ability to explore what could happen rather than what has happened or is happening. However, unlike agent-based modeling, artificial societies are, in essence, models without a specific target system, and it has been argued that this type of modeling permits the study of societies and their processes in the abstract (Epstein and Axtell 1996; Doran 1997). An underlying assumption is that it is possible and useful for social scientists to explore wide-ranging and abstract social theories and that these theories can be expressed in terms of computational processes.

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