Thoughts on the Vulnerability of the Field of Computational Social Science

Abstract

This study examines the new and not yet fully formed field of Computational Social Science (CSS). Current literature presents differing notions of the field, so my research methodically evaluates these definitions against a set of criteria established by Economic and Social Research Council's National Centre for Research Methods in order to conclude that CSS cannot, in its current state, function as an individual academic discipline. This does not preclude CSS from acting as an important research area, and indeed, we maintain that it is essential to the advancement of the social sciences. Further, we believe that with the addition of a specific and novel object of research, as well as a body of unique theories, terminologies, and specialist knowledge, CSS may also act as an academic discipline, or at least be central to social science research in higher education.