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438 M. Neumann

This becomes apparent when considering socialisation theories of norm internal-
isation. An investigation of the effects of social behaviour regulation on individual
agents is mostly at the level of conceptual considerations in the development
of architectures. Here, the development of new models has to be aware of the
decisions to be made. The philosophical orientation that implicitly underlies the
BOID architecture is inspired by the classical accounts of Durkheim and Freud:
by opposing obligations and desires, an antagonism between individuals and
society is assumed. However, it has to be (and—implicitly—is) decided whether
an antagonism individual and society is assumed or not. This is the question,
whether the social macro-level is perceived as action constraint or as enabling action
selection. Empirical research suggests that a social embedding in networks of peer
and reference groups has a substantial impact on normative reasoning and thereby
on the process of action selection (i.e. the agents’ desires).
A comprehension of the two-way dynamics of the operations and effects of social
behaviour regulation on a psychological as well as on the social level calls for
interdisciplinary research. Agent-based modelling is an appropriate methodological
tool for this effort. However, it has to be emphasised that developmental processes
in the socialisation process are only barely captured by current simulations.

Further Reading

Even though they are quite old and some of their findings are out of date by now, it
is still a good start (and not too much effort) to study the following two models to
become familiar with the research field of normative agent-based models: Axelrod’s
(1986) evolutionary approach to norms and Conte and Castelfranchi’s (1995a, b)
paper on understanding the functions of norms in social groups (using simulation).
As an introduction into the design and logical foundations of normative architec-
tures, the following anthologies are suggested: Boella et al. (2005) and Boella et al.
(2007).
The relation of modelling and theory is particularly highlighted in the two
anthologies (Conte and Dellarocas 2001; Lindemann et al. 2004). Here the reader
will also find hints for further readings about the empirical and theoretical back-
ground.
For an overview of the theoretical background and developments in theorising
norms, it is suggested to refer to Conte and Castelfranchi (1995a, b) and Therborn
(2002).

References

Andrighetto, G., Campennì, M., Conte, R., & Paolucci, M. (2007). On the immergence of norms:
A normative agent architecture. In G. P. Trajkovski & S. G. Collins (Eds.), Emergent agents