On a Formalization of Agent-Based Social Systems ―As a Common Basis for Modeling Gaming Simulation and Agent-Based Social Simulation―

Abstract

System formalization serves as a common basis for modeling gaming simulation as well as agent-based social simulation. This article introduces a series of system concepts related to agent-based social systems so as to provide a ‘modeling literacy’ firmly based on formal system theory to young researchers and designers. Firstly the basic concepts of systems are introduced, and then the term agent is defined as a goal-seeking system. Followed by explanations of two different classes of agent concept—an agent (rational agent) and a cognitive agent (bounded rational agent). Several kinds of social systems consisting of these two kinds of agent are shown as examples, such as theoretical games, hierarchy systems, hypergames and poly-agent systems.