Computer simulations have conventionally been understood to be either extensions of formal methods such as mathematical models or as special cases of empirical practices such as experiments. Here, I argue that computer simulations are best understood as instruments. Understanding them as such can better elucidate their actual role as well as their potential epistemic standing in relation to science and other scientific methods, practices and devices.

中文翻译：

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作为科学仪器的计算机模拟

计算机模拟通常被理解为形式方法的扩展，例如数学模型，或者是经验实践的特殊情况，例如实验。在这里，我认为最好将计算机模拟理解为仪器。这样理解它们可以更好地阐明它们的实际作用以及它们在科学和其他科学方法、实践和设备方面的潜在认知地位。