Abstract
This paper considers how the precise world of mathematics is applied to fuzzy ambiguous real-life problems. System dynamics modelling for novice modellers is described, and a comparison made with mathematical modelling, using a simple physics problem as an example. The special place of time in modelling is examined. A key question of the paper is the purpose of modelling- is it to permit meaningful calculations within certain predefined accuracy limits, or is it to understand as many causal mechanisms as possible within the modeller's mental limits?
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.