To Simulate or Not to Simulate: What Are the Questions?

Simulation is a powerful method in science and engineering. However, simulation is an umbrella term, and its meaning and goals differ among disciplines. Rapid advances in neuroscience and computing draw increasing attention to large-scale brain simulations. What is the meaning of simulation, and what should the method expect to achieve? We discuss the concept of simulation from an integrated scientific and philosophical vantage point and pinpoint selected issues that are specific to brain simulation. Are we on the long and winding road to simulation of the human brain? Dudai and Evers provide a realistic conjoint view of a neuroscientist and a philosopher on the concept of simulation and its complex pragmatics in brain research.