Computer Simulation in Sociology

Abstract

At present, computer simulation is a widely accepted resource for knowledge production. Concepts such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and simulation, belong to the common language of different disciplines.
In the field of sociology, American sociologists - Axelrod, Etpstein, Bak, etc - are recognized for applying the simulation technique to approach complex data. Under the influence of the Social Complexity Theory and based on the data operation characteristics but mainly to its applicability, these social scientists intend to promote this methodology at a science level.
Our purpose is to approach critical visions but, above all, to recover statements that the Frankfurt School Critical Theory - Horkheimer, Marcuse, Honneth - bequeathed us and which demonstrate the enduring nature of many of its contributions. This is proposed as the beginning of a future search for other theoric contributions to understand this phenomenon in a greater diversity of dimensions and leave open the question whether the possibility and relevance of incorporating this technique for antagonistic objectives and purposes into the sociology or social control; investigate social phenomena from a critical and emancipatory perspective.