Learning to believe by feeling: An agent model for an emergent effect of feelings on beliefs

Abstract

An agent's beliefs usually depend on cognitive factors, but also affective factors may play a role. This paper presents an agent model that shows how such affective effects on beliefs can emerge and become stronger over time due to experiences obtained. In this way an effect of judgment by 'experience' or 'gut feeling' can be obtained. It is shown how based on Hebbian learning a connection from feeling to belief can develop. Some example simulation results and a mathematical analysis of the equilibria are presented. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.