In the future, as computers become more capable in terms of processing power, they will also be more capable in terms of simulations. Experiments and hypotheses are already simulated on today's computers, removing the need to physically test them. Things such as weather patterns and earthquakes are simulated on computers. So far, the majority of these simulations have been dealing with physics or other hard sciences.
Eventually, social sciences will also gain the advantage of simulation. Simulations regarding such subjects as sociology and political science will be ran on powerful computers. Given the massive amount of variables and relative complexity of behavioral sciences, they require much more processing power and information than simple (relatively speaking) natural and environmental simulations.
Imagine a computer program in which various societies, all with their own unique ideologies, are programmed to experience certain conditions. Political scientists can design governments and simulate them on various societies to find the strengths and weaknesses. If the society responds negatively to the governmental structure, it obviously needs revising. Conceivably, this could lead to much more perfect governments, as they have throughout history relied on trial and error (or brute force) to rule their people. Eventually, governments may be prepackaged after rigorous testing in simulations.
Sociologists could study these virtual societies and individuals, while applying various stimuli and monitoring the virtual being's reactions. To most accurately represent real humans, the environment in which the virtual humans "live" in would have to be as earth-like s possible, and the daily activities and ideologies would also require much attention in order to keep the simulations as accurate as possible.
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