Modeling norms in multi-agent systems with NormML

Abstract

Norms in multi-agent systems are a mechanism used to restrict the behavior of agents by defining what agents are obligated, permitted or prohibited to do and by stating stimulus to their fulfillment by defining rewards and discouraging their violation by pointing out punishments. In this paper we propose a normative modeling language called NormML that makes possible the modeling of the main properties and characteristics of the norms. In addition, we also propose a mechanism to validate the norms at design time, i.e., to check if the norms respect the constraints defined by the language and also their possible conflicts. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.