>That's true of any simulation or model -it's only as good as the data that goes into it. //
Models can be predictive, indeed that's one of the main reasons to create a model to observe behaviour that otherwise might not have been expected.
A theory in physics for example is a model with proven predictive powers, the model [theory] 'knows' some aspects of what can be observed before those things can be confirmed empirically.
But as you indicate new empirical data can shows flaws in a model just as it can in a scientific theory.
Models can be predictive, indeed that's one of the main reasons to create a model to observe behaviour that otherwise might not have been expected.
A theory in physics for example is a model with proven predictive powers, the model [theory] 'knows' some aspects of what can be observed before those things can be confirmed empirically.
But as you indicate new empirical data can shows flaws in a model just as it can in a scientific theory.