Causality in the context of analytical models and numerical experiments

Intuition tends to guide model formulation, as it is generally impossible to consider all dimensions of a problem. The ability to surprise, heightening the focus on paradox and the contradiction of reality, is therefore more useful than a literal representation of reality. While numerical experiments are useful in exploring patterns not well suited to analytic approaches, features of the model that underlies the experiment determines the experiments' ability to provide insight and offer surprise. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.