From Algorithms to (Sub-)Symbolic Inferences in Multi-Agent Systems

Abstract

Extending metaphorically the Moisilean idea of "nuanced-reasoning logic" and adapting it to the e-world age of Information Technology (IT), the paper aims at showing that new logics, already useful in modern software engineering, become necessary mainly for Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), despite obvious adversities. The first sections are typical for a position paper, defending such logics from an anthropocentric perspective. Through this sieve, Section 4 outlines the features asked for by the paradigm of computing as intelligent interaction, based on "nuances of nuanced-reasoning", that should be reflected by agent logics. To keep the approach credible, Section 5 illustrates how quantifiable synergy can be reached -even in advanced challenging domains, such as stigmergic coordination -by injecting symbolic reasoning in systems based on sub-symbolic "emergent synthesis". Since for future work too the preferred logics are doxastic, the conclusions could be structured in line with the well-known agent architecture: Beliefs, Desires, Intentions.

DOMINO: Trivalent Logic Semantics in Bivalent Syntax Clothes

“…"Since most decision makers are already familiar with Google, most available general information is either known or easy accessed; now they need acceptable good answer, but very fast and with incomplete or even uncertain information" [7]. "Intelligent system behaviourwhatever that could mean -becomes a crucial user expectation" [8].…”

“…"The IT infrastructure is sufficiently advanced (in both facts and trends: nanoelectronics, broadband communication, semantic web, multimodal interfaces, etc.) to allow anthropocentrism for most IT applications" [8]. The leading paradigm is "computing as interaction" [1] [19].…”

“…Two reasons are already manifest: "Since deterministic applications are vanishing (because of OHDUE), the conventional algorithm is not anymore program backbone. Even when still useful, the conventional algorithm is not anymore the main programming instrument (being hidden in procedures easily reached in a host of libraries or being generated by 4GL)" [8].…”

“…Later, using exceptions to achieve agent reactivity was suggested in the context of sub-symbolic inferences [8] and of emergence as leverage [9]: "Even primeval animals move "algorithmically" ("if gap then avoid, else go on") only a few steps, in very hostile environments. Moreover, reaction to stimuli cannot mean perpetual looking for the stimulus.…”

“…The main weaknesses: a) insufficient theoretical rigour (undecidability is considered primarily atemporal -keeping its initial mathematical meaning); b) poor practical effectiveness (confusing "unknown" with "unknowable" and applying sophisticated prediction methods in inappropriate contexts); c) unfit apparatus (algorithmic approaches implying determinism, decidability, and bivalence). Since the first two issues are investigated in very recent papers [8] [6] [9] [7], to reduce redundancy and to keep focusing on the very mechanisms, here the approach is an explicitly software engineering one: computer science aspects are dealt with only at the beginning (what for new mechanisms?) and at the end (what are the expectations?).…”