Agent-based computational economics-An introduction
Department of Economics, Politics and Public …
Abstract
Terming a specific approach to economics agent-based may appear paradoxical. Isn't human behavior the foundation of economics - and shouldn't all economic theory be based on agents behavior in some sense? This, at least, is what conventional economic theory has been ...
FAQs
AI
What distinguishes agent-based computational economics from traditional microeconomics?
ACE emphasizes agent interactions as pivotal in understanding economic systems, unlike traditional microeconomics which focuses on isolated agents. This shift allows for emergent phenomena that cannot be predicted from individual behaviors alone.
How does ACE handle the complexity of economic systems compared to conventional methods?
The synthetic approach of ACE allows for modeling complex adaptive systems, revealing emergent behaviors without restrictive assumptions. This contrasts with conventional methods that rely heavily on simplified, analytical tractable models.
What role does interaction among agents play in agent-based economic modeling?
The paper highlights that complex dynamics arise from dispersed interactions among heterogeneous agents, essential for capturing emergent phenomena. This interaction model reflects real economic environments better than simulated economies based on aggregate agents.
How does ACE explain macroeconomic movements like business cycles?
ACE models suggest that business cycles are emergent phenomena resulting from agent interactions, rather than from individual behaviors. This perspective challenges traditional views and promotes the exploration of complex adaptive dynamics.
What methodological challenges does ACE present for empirical testing in economics?
ACE models' outputs must be reconceptualized for empirical testing, which complicates validation compared to traditional models. There is a need for innovative statistical techniques to interpret simulated data meaningfully.
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