“The” Model Versus a Modeling “Process”

1985, Jay W. Forrester, “The” Model Versus a Modeling “Process”

• Emphasis on “The” Model is Unrealistic and Alarming
• Published Models are only a snapshot in time from a continuously evolving set of ideas about a social system.
• The Models are always in a continuous state of evolution.
• Each question, each reaction, each new input of information, and each difficulty in explaining the models leads to modification, clarification, and extention.
• We are proposing the “Process” of Modeling rather than particular frozen and final models.
  • Models will help to clarify our processes of thought
  • Make explicit the assumptions we are already making
  • Show the consequences of the assumptions
  • As our understanding, our assumptions, and our goals change, the models can change.
• For real life implementation, we can expect that there will be a series of models simultaneously existing and simultaneously in evolution.
• Process of Modeling as a continuing companion to, and tool for, the improvement of judgment and human decision making