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426 M. Neumann

Table 17.2 A sample of models using cognitive agents
Contribution Transformation Transmission Implementation
Conte and Functional / a / a Conditional
Castelfranchi analysis strategies
(1995b)
Castelfranchi Functional Updating Updating Conditional
et al. (1998) analysis conditionals (of knowledge by strategies
strategies) through experience (and
b
knowledge communication )
Saam and Functional (a) / a (a) / a Conditional
Harrer (1999) analysis strategies
(b) internalisation b (b) obligation b
Epstein Norm dynamics; Observation Social learning Dynamical
(2000) functional updating
analysis
Flentge et al. Functional Memetic contagion Contact Conditional
(2001) analysis strategies
Verhagen Norm dynamics Internalisation Communication Decision tree
(2001)
Hales (2002) Functional Updating Updating Conditional
analysis conditionals (of knowledge by strategies
strategies) through experience (and
b
knowledge communication )
Burke et al. Norm dynamics Signals Social learning Dynamical
(2006) guiding propensities
behaviour (threshold)
convergence
a The agents are/are not already moral agents
b Only in a second experiment

What lessons can be gain from the investigation of this conception to model
normative action constraints with regard to the specific questions?

Contribution
A striking feature of these models is that they demonstrate how agent-based models
are able to contribute to a functional analysis of norms. However, in contrast to
the classical scheme of functional explanations in the social sciences, this result is
reached by interactions of individual agents. Moreover, in these models, a much
stronger notion of norms is deployed than typically in game theoretic models.
Norms are not just reached by mutual agreement but are an explicitly prescribed
action routine. The concept of norms in these models is in line with the role
theoretical conception of norms as a structural constraint of individual actors. This
conception of norms allows for a wider field of applications that could cover the role
theoretic norm conception: these can be interpreted as internalised properties of the
agents.