Representational Systems Theory

The methodology of simulation involves a representational approach to observed phenomena. Systems theory has been, in the past, more terminology than theory. However, a logical classification of the possible representational forms available for any simulation would serve as a meta-theory in simulation methodology.

This paper presents such a classification based upon an analysis of the possible kinds of relations of explanation which can be used to connect elements of existential sets. Four types of relations are possible:

1. cause-effect,

2. producer-product,

3. genetic,

4. accidental.

Of these, only two (the cause-effect and producer-product) have been used to construct formal representations in science: ateleological and teleological representations. This taxonomy, together with the notions of open and closed systems, provides a logical framework for any general form of a simulation. We show how familiar paradigms such as decision theory, allocation problems and stochastic processes are derived in this representational theory.