New in the methodology of studying a social space, or what is agent-based modeling?

The article raises the issue of development of the methodology of studying a social space as an abstract multidimensional space of social positions. The author raises the issue of the prospects of using agent-based modeling in the study of a social space. The article summarizes the theoretical and methodological foundations of agent-based modeling; in particular, it describes its essence, specifics and advantages, and presents the concept of an agent-based model. The definitions of the term used in the works of leading Russian experts are discussed: V. L. Makarov, A. R. Bakhtizin, E. D. Sushko and others. The meaning of “an agent” as a central and most important category of agent-based modeling is revealed. Its proximity to the concept of “a social agent” used in sociology of space is highlighted. The basic properties and attributes of the agents in agent-based modeling are outlined. The stages of modeling and the requirements for knowledge, skills and qualifications of the modeling subject (the developer of agent-based models) are described...