This paper introduces a subjective logic based argumentation framework primarily targeted at evid... more This paper introduces a subjective logic based argumentation framework primarily targeted at evidential reasoning. The framework explicitly caters for argument schemes, accrual of arguments, and burden of proof; these concepts appear in many types of argument, and are particularly useful in dialogues revolving around evidential reasoning. The concept of a sensor is also useful in this domain, representing a source of evidence, and is incorporated in our framework.
abstract={This paper introduces Input/Output Argumentation Frameworks, a novel approach to charac... more abstract={This paper introduces Input/Output Argumentation Frameworks, a novel approach to characterize the behavior of an argumentation framework as a sort of black box exposing a well-defined external interface. As a starting point, we define the novel notion of semantics decomposability and analyze complete, stable, grounded and preferred semantics in this respect.
Abstract. In multi-agent systems, norms provide a means for regulating agent behaviour at a syste... more Abstract. In multi-agent systems, norms provide a means for regulating agent behaviour at a system or society level rather than by constraining agent behaviour directly. In order to cope effectively with scenarios in which norms conflict, agents must be able to reason about norms and the consequences of compliance and violation.
The ability to create reliable and scalable virtual organisations (VOs) on demand in a dynamic, o... more The ability to create reliable and scalable virtual organisations (VOs) on demand in a dynamic, open and competitive environment is one of the challenges that underlie the Grid concept and research. In this paper, we describe the agent-based mechanisms that we are currently developing within the CONOISE and CONOISE-G projects for supporting VO formation and operation.
Abstract While much work has focused on the creation of norm aware agents, much less has been con... more Abstract While much work has focused on the creation of norm aware agents, much less has been concerned with aiding a system's designers in understanding the effects of norms on a system. However, since norms are generally pre-determined by designers, providing such support can be critical in enabling norm refinement for more effective or efficient system regulation. In this paper, we address just this problem by providing explanations as to why some norm is applicable, violated, or in some other state.
Abstract. Expressing contractual agreements electronically potentially allows agents to automatic... more Abstract. Expressing contractual agreements electronically potentially allows agents to automatically perform functions surrounding contract use: establishment, fulfilment, renegotiation etc. For such automation to be used for real business concerns, there needs to be a high level of trust in the agent-based system. While there has been much research on simulating trust between agents, there are areas where such trust is harder to establish.
ABSTRACT In rural areas, transport service availability is limited and as a result rural passenge... more ABSTRACT In rural areas, transport service availability is limited and as a result rural passengers face a range of challenges accessing basic amenities such as healthcare. Meeting the transport needs of rural communities with conventional public transport would require services with frequent schedules and widespread coverage; such an approach is financially unjustifiable for the passenger numbers attainable. Consequently, flexible transport services have been employed.
Abstract By virtue of their nature, organisations impose rules of behaviour upon their constituen... more Abstract By virtue of their nature, organisations impose rules of behaviour upon their constituent members. Such rules, which may be represented using obligations, permissions and prohibitions, form soft constraints, since actions contrary to these rules can and do occur.
The logistics of the aerospace aftermarket raises a number of very interesting challenges from th... more The logistics of the aerospace aftermarket raises a number of very interesting challenges from the perspective of electronic contracting. This is a highly dynamic domain, where contracts are established between airlines and engine manufacturers, as well as between engine manufacturers all the way down the supply lines, providing a particularly illustrative showcase for the technologies developed in the CONTRACT project.
Abstract This paper proposes the use of a genetic algorithm to develop neural networks to play th... more Abstract This paper proposes the use of a genetic algorithm to develop neural networks to play the Capture Game, a subgame of Go.
Mirroring the paper versions exchanged between businesses today, electronic contracts offer the p... more Mirroring the paper versions exchanged between businesses today, electronic contracts offer the possibility of dynamic, automatic creation and enforcement of restrictions and compulsions on agent behaviour that are designed to ensure business objectives are met. However, where there are many contracts within a particular application, it can be difficult to determine whether the system can reliably fulfil them all; computer-parsable electronic contracts may allow such verification to be automated.
In the domain of aerospace aftermarkets, which often has long supply chains that feed into the ma... more In the domain of aerospace aftermarkets, which often has long supply chains that feed into the maintenance of aircraft, contracts are used to establish agreements between aircraft operators and maintenance suppliers. However, violations at the bottom of the supply chain (part suppliers) can easily cascade to the top (aircraft operators), making it difficult to determine the source of the violation, and seek to address it.
Abstract. While researchers have looked at many aspects of argumentation, an area often neglected... more Abstract. While researchers have looked at many aspects of argumentation, an area often neglected is that of argumentation strategies. That is, given multiple possible arguments that an agent can put forth, which should be selected in what circumstances. In this paper, we propose a heuristic that implements one such strategy. The heuristic assigns a utility cost to revealing information, as well as a utility to winning, drawing and losing an argument. An agent participating in a dialogue then attempts to maximise its utility.
Abstract—Systems of autonomous and self-interested agents interacting to achieve individual and c... more Abstract—Systems of autonomous and self-interested agents interacting to achieve individual and collective goals may exhibit undesirable or unexpected properties if left unconstrained. Using deontic concepts of obligations, permissions and prohibitions to describe, what must, may and should not be done, norms have been widely proposed as a means of defining and enforcing societal constraints.
Abstract We propose an RDF-based language called SWCL to represent contracts, with a focus on ser... more Abstract We propose an RDF-based language called SWCL to represent contracts, with a focus on service level agreements. The language came about due to a requirement in our research concerning reliable service delivery in domains containing virtual organizations, and we describe one such domain. Our language is built around a production rule system using RDF bindings and containing some contract-specific resources.
Abstract In this document, I propose investigating the use of contracting and argumentation to ai... more Abstract In this document, I propose investigating the use of contracting and argumentation to aid in the enforcement of agent behaviour in complex multi–agent systems containing possibly malicious groups of agents. The approach is centred around an argumentation framework which borrows heavily from ideas found in human legal argumentation.
While researchers have looked at many aspects of argumentation, an area often neglected is that o... more While researchers have looked at many aspects of argumentation, an area often neglected is that of argumentation strategies. That is, given multiple possible arguments that an agent can put forth, which should be selected in what circumstances. In this paper we propose a heuristic that implements one such strategy. The heuristic is built around opponent modelling, and operates by selecting the line of argument that yields maximal utility, based on the opponent's expected response, as computed by the opponent model.
The behaviour of deliberative agents is often guided by a plan library designed to achieve goals ... more The behaviour of deliberative agents is often guided by a plan library designed to achieve goals given certain environmental conditions. Plans in these plan libraries are designed to achieve individual goals, and cannot possibly account for all possible variations of restrictions in the societies within which these agents must operate. These restrictions, captured through norms, include obligations, prohibitions, and permissions.
Abstract Few existing argumentation frameworks are designed to deal with probabilistic knowledge,... more Abstract Few existing argumentation frameworks are designed to deal with probabilistic knowledge, and none are designed to represent possibilistic knowledge, making them unsuitable for many real world domains. In this paper we present a subjective logic based framework for argumentation which overcomes this limitation. Reasoning about the state of a literal in this framework can be done in polynomial time.
Clauses within contracts may be thought of as norms, specifying permissions, obligations and proh... more Clauses within contracts may be thought of as norms, specifying permissions, obligations and prohibitions on contract parties. In this paper, we present a formal representation of contracts, focusing on the specification of a model of norms. With this model, a norm is associated with a status, which may change as the environment, and the status of other norms, changes.
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