A Decision-Theoretic Approach to Defining Use for Computer Simulation

Although computer simulation shares a common beginning with the advent of the digital computer, our science still lacks sufficient foundation in rigorous mathematics. An understanding of the complex relationship between simulation and reality is a defining characteristic that differentiates simulation science from science that uses simulation. Significant work has been done in relating simulation to system with respect to accuracy but the consideration of how a simulation is, or is to be, used has not been rigorously defined. Foundational mathematical structures suitable for reasoning about use are presented within the context of a framework for rigorously relating simulation to reality. Classes of artifacts in the simulation activity are identified and relations are drawn between them. Decision theory is applied to define a mathematical structure for use that is sufficient to inform decision-making using models and simulations in a rigorously defensible way.