Abstract

We distinguish two kinds of experimental activity: post-theory and exploratory. Post-theory experiment enjoys computer support that is well-aligned to the classical theory of computation. Exploratory experiment, in contrast, arguably demands a broader conception of computing. Empirical Modelling (EM) is proposed as a more appropriate conceptual framework in which to provide computational support for exploratory experiment. In the process, it promises to provide integrated computational support for both exploratory and post-theory experiment. We first sketch the motivation for EM and illustrate its potential for supporting experimentation, then briefly highlight the semantic challenge it poses and the philosophical implications.

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The full paper of which this is the abstract can be found in The Journal of Applied Logic at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jal.2008.09.008

This is a link to the Web Eden mirror OXO model discussed in the paper.