An argumentative agent-based model of scientific inquiry

TL;DR

This paper introduces an agent-based model of scientific inquiry that uses argumentation theory to better simulate the argumentative dynamics of real scientific practice and assess how social networks influence knowledge acquisition.

Contribution

It presents a novel ABM incorporating argumentation theory to more accurately reflect scientific debate and social influences, improving upon prior models.

Findings

Model demonstrates how social networks affect scientific knowledge flow.

Incorporates argumentation dynamics for realistic simulation.

Provides a computational tool for science policy analysis.

Abstract

In this paper we present an agent-based model (ABM) of scientific inquiry aimed at investigating how different social networks impact the efficiency of scientists in acquiring knowledge. As such, the ABM is a computational tool for tackling issues in the domain of scientific methodology and science policy. In contrast to existing ABMs of science, our model aims to represent the argumentative dynamics that underlies scientific practice. To this end we employ abstract argumentation theory as the core design feature of the model. This helps to avoid a number of problematic idealizations which are present in other ABMs of science and which impede their relevance for actual scientific practice.