"The end of theory" -- A debate

In 2008 Chris Anderson predicted that the availability of big datsets would mean "the end of theory". Faced with massive data, Anderson says, the scientific method is becoming obsolete. In this session, we will have a debate about this question. One of us (Tobias or Juan) will take Anderson's position, and the other will argue why theory and modelling continue to be important. Of course, the audience will be able to contribute as well, and hopefully an interesting and lively debate ensues.



We ask that all attendees prepare themselves with arguments for both sides of the debate before the meeting. In particular please read the following papers:

The End of Theory: The Data Deluge Makes the Scientific Method Obsolete

Chris Anderson, Wired 2008

https://www.wired.com/2008/06/pb-theory/

Why Model?

Joshua M. Epstein, Journal od Artificial Societies and Social Simulation (2008)

https://www.jasss.org/11/4/12.html

There is plenty of more literature, which you are also encouraged to look at. This includes: 

https://www.jasss.org/22/3/6.html

https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/embr.201541001