A multitude of complex systems and actors pursuing
their own agenda shape the dynamics of our world. Better
understanding of their actions and interactions is
crucial, and can be achieved by a profound knowledge of
systems and their properties, and their representation
in models allowing simulation of probable behavior.
Drawing on his extensive research and teaching
experience in modeling and simulation of a wide range of
systems - from engineering to social systems and
ecosystems - the author presents the fundamental
concepts and approaches for understanding and modeling
the complex systems shaping the dynamics of our world.
The book applies state space analysis and system
dynamics to deal with the dynamic processes of "causal
systems", discusses information processing approaches
for modeling decision processes of "actors" and
"agents", and uses aspects of the coevolutionary
development of systems in their environment to deal with
normative orientation, ethics, and evaluation of
policies and long-term development. The concepts are
applied in particular to the issue of sustainable
development of human society in an evolving world. The
book is complemented by a survey of system topics and of
models from many fields, and by an extensive
bibliography on the many systems-related subjects
covered. Hartmut Bossel is Professor Emeritus of
environmental systems analysis. He taught for many years
at the University of California in Santa Barbara and the
University of Kassel, Germany, where he was director of
the Center for Environmental Systems Research until his
retirement. He holds an engineering degree from the
Technical University of Darmstadt, and a Ph.D. degree
from the University of California at Berkeley. With a
background in engineering, systems science, and
mathematical modeling, he has led many research projects
and future studies in different countries, developing
computer simulation models and decision support systems
in the areas of energy supply policy, global dynamics,
orientation of behavior, agricultural policy, and forest
dynamics and management. He has written numerous books
on modeling and simulation of dynamic systems, social
change and future paths, and has published widely in the
scientific literature in several fields. Bossel is
author of a System Zoo containing over one hundred
simulation models of diverse systems.
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