A review of “Reasoning About Rational Agents ” by Michael Wooldridge, MIT Press 2000

Reasoning About Rational Agents is concerned with developing practical reasoning (as contrasted with theoretical reasoning) for rational computer agents within the “Belief, Desire, Intention ” model. The BDI model for computer agents is based on the theory of rational action in humans put forward in 1988 by the philosopher M. Bratman in his book Intention, Plans and Practical Reason. BDI logics are multi-modal logics developed by Rao and Georgeff during the 1990s. Wooldridge's version of BDI logic, which extends the work of Rao and Georgeff, is called LORA for “Logic of Rational Agents”. Wooldridge is concerned with the problem of writing a book that is both accessible and rigorous. The result is a book whose first three chapters can be easily read by anyone with a modest background in logic. However, Chapter 4 assumes a discontinuously higher expectation in the reader’s knowledge. Chapters 6 through 9 presuppose some knowledge in the field of agency. After the introductory chapter one, Wooldrige divides the book into three parts: (part 1) chapter 2 provides background material on the BDI model while chapter 3 gives an introduction to LORA; (part 2) chapter 4 provides the formal syntax and semantics for LORA while chapter 5 covers some properties of rational agents; (part 3) investigates the use of LORA in multi-agent social systems. At the end of each chapter is a very helpful section entitled Notes and Further Reading for the reader who wishes to take advantage of Wooldridge's vast knowledge in the field of agency. There is also a websit