The agent-based modeling approach through some foundational monographs

Abstract

This article reviews certain foundational monographs that underline the sociological relevance of agent-based modeling. Examples have been taken from studies on cooperation, social dynamics and norms. They show the importance of modeling complex agent behavior and interaction to understand social outcomes and why modeling and abstraction can be important for sociological investigation. Agent-based models can help us produce more consistent and verifiable theories on social phenomena and allow us to pre-arrange theories towards empirical validation and replication. Finally, this article defends the need for tighter links between behavioral science and sociology, towards a more "working together" attitude.