Four-Campus Video-Conference Series, 2007-8f-w-s Human Sciences and Complexity(HSC) –announces:
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Oct 12, 2007: Friday, 1:30-3:00 telecast from UCLAto UCR A139 Olmsted Hall, UCI 3030 Anteater I&R Bldg, UCSD 260 Galbraith Hall
Dario Nardi, UCLA, Co-Director, Human Complex Systems (UCLA HCS) program
“Multiple Models Approaches to Simulation: Learning from a Study ofComplexity“
Abstract: Potential benefits are exploredof "multiple models" analytic approachesthat lay the ground for computer simulation and further fieldwork modeling for a unique object of study for bottom-up emergence of complex behavior:the annual emergence and deconstruction of a city of nearly 50,000 people in the Nevada desert-- Burning Man. General modeling techniques and courses in simulation in the UC social complexity programs are also reviewed.
Video Conference Locations for Participants
UCLA:285 Powell Library UCI:3030 Teaching, Anteater Learning & Technology Center, corner E. Peltason and Anteater Drive UCR:A139 Olmsted Hall (basement classroom, UCR campus map bldg 497( UCSD:260 Galbraith
A UCI MAP IS PROVIDED FOR THE RECENTLY RELOCATED UCIVIDEOCONFERENCECENTER
Grad and undergrad enrollment at UCI SocSci 240A
Undergrad at UCLA Anthro M193P/HCS M193P (crosslisted between Anthro and HCS)
Graduate enrollment at UCLA Anthro 294
Enrollment atUCR Poli Sci 293
Undergrad atUCSD Anth 199
Graduate enrollment atUCSD Anth 298
Abstract: This presentation explores the potential benefits of a "multiple models" approach to understanding the myriad phenomena of Burning Man, an annual event involving the emergence and deconstruction of a city of nearly 50,000 people in the Nevada desert. The presentation is based upon fieldwork participation. Burning Man is a unique object of study for bottom-up emergence of complex behavior because unlike other festivals, it is heavily participant driven and includes many features of a functioning city such as food dispensation and repair shops, but without money, corporate involvement, or modern telecommunications. I will show photographs of BurningMan.
A system like this has many qualities to consider when crafting a simulation. For example, how does information diffuse quickly through such a large population? Who makes decisions and how? What organizational features promote its successful functioning as a gift economy? And many other questions. These questions are interesting in terms of real-world application. Just as few people foresaw non-profit organizations as viable alternatives to shareholder driven business, so too may Burning Man hold lessens and offer challenges to today's assumptions about urban culture. To develop a simulation that addresses these many questions, more than one modeling/analytical technique is needed. I will briefly demonstrate how three modeling tools are particularly helpful. These tools are drawn from a wide toolbox of options. I will not go into great detail about these tools (Richard Dawkin's theory of memes, Michael Thompson's Cultural Theory, and of course basic principles of multi-agent modeling). However, I will give brief overviews and demonstrate their use through the example of BurningMan.
Besides exploring Burning Man as a challenging simulation problem, I wish to convey two other lessons. One additional lesson is the general advance of utilizing multiple analytical techniques. Using one technique gives us one view. Using several gives us more views. The result of multiple views is more than the sum of the individual takes on a problem. Another lesson is that this approach works very well in our <Human Complex Systems Minor> < <M100>. By learning about and using multiple analytical techniques, students gain both appreciation and skill in examining complex phenomena. This presentation does not include a computer simulation because I am still in the research and exploration phase of the project. The presentation acts as a basis for future fieldwork and a computer model at a later date.