Normative Multi-Agent Systems (Dagstuhl Seminar 15131)

Abstract

This report documents the program and the outcomes of Dagstuhl Seminar 15131 "Normative Multi-Agent Systems". Normative systems are systems in the behavior of which norms play a role and which need normative concepts in order to be described or specified. A normative multi-agent system combines models for normative systems (dealing for example with obligations, permissions and prohibitions) with models for multi-agent systems. Normative multi-agent systems provide a promising model for human and artificial agent coordination because they integrate norms and individual intelligence. They are a prime example of the use of sociological theories in multi-agent systems, and therefore of the relation between agent theory—both multi-agent systems and autonomous agents—and the social sciences—sociology, philosophy, economics, legal science, etc.
The aim of this Dagstuhl Seminar was to feature two fresh themes in broader computing and software engineering: social computing and governance. These themes are highly interdisciplinary, bringing together research strands from computing, information sciences, economics, sociology, and psychology. Further there is considerable excitement about these areas in academia, industry, and public policy organizations. Our third theme was agreement technologies, a more traditional topic but nonetheless relevant for the NorMAS community.
A norm is a fundamental social construct. Norms define the essential fabric of a society. Our purpose in this seminar was to explore the connections of norms to each of the themes, especially from a computational perspective. 
Moreover, the seminar has been conceived for the writing of a volume titled "Handbook of Normative Multi Agent Systems" aimed to become a standard reference in the field and to provide guidelines for future research in normative multi-agent systems.