A multimodel approach to reasoning and simulation

Models that are constructed within the bounds of a single paradigm are not sufficient for modeling all aspects of complex systems. Therefore, even though reasoning and simulation systems that utilize a single modeling paradigm are the current norm, we explore a multimodel approach in this paper. A multimodel approach is defined as one in which more than one model - each derived from a different perspective, and utilizing correspondingly distinct reasoning and simulation strategies - are employed. By describing four models which illustrate the use of different modeling techniques, we show how a multimodel approach can enrich the modeling environment and make it correspond better with real world information. Our models come from many sources - Systems and Simulation literature for the modeling of natural phenomena and artificial devices, and Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science for the modeling of human intuition and expertise in reasoning. Generalizing from these four models, we suggest that modeling complex systems may best be approached from an integrated architectural viewpoint which combines multiple modeling paradigms. Index Terms - Multimodeling, Visuo-Spatial Reasoning, Abstraction Levels, Qualitative System, Functional Modeling.