300187 Games, models, simulations: organizations and beyond (S) (WiSe 2012/2013)

Models and Simulations have increasingly been gaining ground in various fields of sociological inquiry and organizational analysis. The theoretical discourse in sociology and organization studies, however, has yet to fully catch up with the employment of models by respectively specialized researchers. During the seminar we will consider the epistemological status of models as they are used, for example, in game theory, agent-based modeling, and in various strands of organizational analysis. We will also discuss several actual analyses driven by the use of models and simulations. The goal of the seminar is to develop a balanced understanding of what sociological and organizational analysis can gain from the use of games, models, and simulations, discussing both their particular epistemological utility and the inherent limitations of their use.

Participation in the seminar does not require advanced methodological or mathematical skills, but a general willingness to engage with technical matter is presupposed.