The Electronic Oracle: Computer Models and Social Decisions

This book describes the state of the art of social-system modeling, especially at the level of national planning. In an unusually clear and understandable language, it approaches the controversial and often confused debate in the use of computer models in social decision making from an entirely new direction. By looking at the entire subject - including the political and philosophical environments around the models, as well as the models themselves - from an objective and knowledgeable viewpoint, the authors show how computer modeling is a powerful, but limited tool. Written from an insider's viewpoint, with an outsider's skepticism, this book is of continuing relevance and too important not to publish.