Keynote lecture – Modelling human societies: what is the point, who does it benefit, and how far should we go?

Speaker: Arnaud Banos (CNRS Director of Research, IRL CRM-CNRS)

Title: Modelling human societies: what is the point, who does it benefit, and how far should we go?

Abstract: Human societies are made up of a large number of individuals, whose actions depend on those of other individuals: this is the definition of a complex system. One might even say that human societies are distinctive in that they are complex systems made up of a multitude of complex systems (individuals). Consequently, modelling is essential for understanding these societies and anticipating how they will evolve. How are these mathematical models constructed? By whom, for whom, and to what end? How much confidence can we place in these models? And should we model everything? These are just some of the questions this lecture aims to explore, using numerous concrete examples drawn from the study of the behaviour of certain social animals, as well as pedestrian movements, road traffic, the spread of epidemics and flood control.

The lecture will be followed by a reception.

Venue: Room 1140, André-Aisenstadt Building, Université de Montréal