Mathematical modeling has rather severe limitations for depicting economic systems. Modeling, however, can prove useful within carefully controlled variables. In this section, I have developed some models of the simple economy for the purpose of demonstrating some fundamental interactions in economic systems.

Modeling a Simple Economy

Jay Forrester
Developer of System Dynamics

As complex adaptive systems markets do not lend themselves to mathematical models — in spite of the practice of many economic practitioners. If one is careful about the variables used, however, simple models can prove useful in demonstrating economic theory.

I have begun this section on economic system models with models of a simple economy in order to introduce some fundamental concepts about models and the economy. (Although you can view each part separately, I strongly suggest that you work through them in sequence.)