Modeling and Simulation: The Essence and Increasing Importance

The technical aspects of the essence of simulation are elaborated based on the following definition: simulation is performing a goal-directed experimentation or gaining experience under controlled conditions by using dynamic models either to develop/enhance skills or for entertainment; where a dynamic model denotes a model for which behaviour and/or structure is variable over time. Hence, experimentation and experience aspects are explained. Several taxonomies, ontologies, and some ontology-based dictionaries are cited for a comprehensive and integrative perception of simulation. Finally, the evolution and increasing importance of simulation is explained.