The organisation of sociality: a manifesto for a new science of multi-agent systems

In this paper, we pose and motivate a challenge, namely the need for a new science of multi-agent systems. We propose that this new science should be grounded, theoretically on a richer conception of sociality, and methodologically on the extensive use of computational modelling for real-world applications and social simulations. Here, the steps we set forth towards meeting that challenge are mainly theoretical. In this respect, we provide a new model of multi-agent systems that reflects a fully explicated conception of cognition, both at the individual and the collective level. Finally, the mechanisms and principles underpinning the model will be examined with particular emphasis on the contributions provided by contemporary organisation theory

Decision-Making: A Neuroeconomic Perspective

This article introduces and discusses from a philosophical point of view the nascent field of neuroeconomics, which is the study of neural mechanisms involved in decision-making and their economic significance. Following a survey of the ways in which decision-making is usually construed in philosophy, economics and psychology, I review many important findings in neuroeconomics to show that they suggest a revised picture of decision-making and ourselves as choosing agents. Finally, I outline a neuroeconomic account of irrationality

The Question of Changing the Concept, Paperand Functions of State

This paper onthe questionof the concept, role and functions of State, attempts tocritically analyze recent developments and transformations. Itis assumed that all existing State models to date are in ideological crisis that challenges the concept of State.The problem is that the empirical evidence of the roleand functionsof the State or the State system are different from ast and point of a range of spheres of government, which generate the multiple requirements of the regulatory activity of the State. In the discussion some questions are identified and proposals that may be useful for analyzing the transformation of the State are formulated.Keywords. Concept of State, State functions, role of government.JEL. H70, I18

Decision-Making: A Neuroeconomic Perspective

This article introduces and discusses from a philosophical point of view the nascent field of neuroeconomics, which is the study of neural mechanisms involved in decision-making and their economic significance. Following a survey of the ways in which decision-making is usually construed in philosophy, economics and psychology, I review many important findings in neuroeconomics to show that they suggest a revised picture of decision-making and ourselves as choosing agents. Finally, I outline a neuroeconomic account of irrationality.neuroeconomics; decision-making; rationality; ultimatum; philosophy; psychology

The University-Commune

In this new book we return to the challenge of deepening the task to the point of imagining the university formed by commoner university students. It is a turn, a new place from which to name and reconsider community management and action from a sense of co-responsibility for the commons that we must guarantee so that the common project prevails and achieves long-term self-sustainability.This is what the seven articles in this book are about, which calls into question what it means for the university to be and act according to economic principles and logics (giving, receiving, undertaking), social (distribution of roles and benefits) and policies (agreements, consensus, participation and assignment of responsibilities) of the commune. The institutional dimension is important but the vitality, the sense of belonging and the profound strength of the Salesian university project depend much more on the commons logic. Feeling of the commons is not a possibility among many others. We are convinced that, in order to take on this project, it is necessary to transcend institutional, business logic and state regulations. Therefore, the university-commune is the way and, perhaps, the only one possible. University and Common Goods Research Group Universidad Politécnica Salesian

Hybrid Modes of Organization. Alliances, Joint Ventures, Networks, and Other 'Strange' Animals

The central message conveyed in this chapter is that there is a whole class of economic organizations that contribute substantially to what Coase (1992) called "the institutional structure of production". These arrangements fall neither under pure market relationships nor within 'firm boundaries'. They have multiplied because they are viewed as efficient in dealing with knowledge-based activities, solving hold-up problems, and reducing contractual hazards. They have properties of their own that deserve theoretical attention and empirical investigation.Hybrids, Alliances, Joint Ventures, organization theory, transaction costs, incomplete contracts

Diffusion of shared goods in consumer coalitions. An agent-based model

This paper focuses on the process of coalition formation conditioning the common decision to adopt a shared good, which cannot be afforded by an average single consumer and whose use cannot be exhausted by any single consumer. An agent based model is developed to study the interplay between these two processes: coalition formation and diffusion of shared goods. Coalition formation is modelled in an evolutionary game theoretic setting, while adoption uses elements from both the Bass and the threshold models. Coalitions formation sets the conditions for adoption, while diffusion influences the consequent formation of coalitions. Results show that both coalitions and diffusion are subject to network effects and have an impact on the information flow though the population of consumers. Large coalitions are preferred over small ones since individual cost is lower, although it increases if higher quantities are purchased collectively. The paper concludes by connecting the model conceptualisation to the on-going discussion of diffusion of sustainable goods, discussing related policy implications

Authenticity, reproductive decisions, and moral life: The role of authenticity in reproductive decision making

In this thesis, I argue that authenticity is important in reproductive decision-making. By ‘important’, I mean the following. Reasons of authenticity have normative force, which is distinct from the normative force of reasons of morality. These norms should guide our behaviour in decisions about reproduction. In some cases, agents should give priority to reasons of authenticity even when these reasons conflict with the prescriptions of ethical theories. First, I formulate and defend an account of authenticity based on Varga’s and Frankfurt’s work. My account of authenticity is centred around agent’s wholeheartedly endorsed commitments. Wholeheartedly endorsed commitments are desires the agent identifies with, which display the features of continuity, centrality, and submission. Second, I develop a novel argument for the permissibility of causing disability based on the importance of authenticity. I argue that even if we assume that there is a negative relationship between well-being and disability, causing disability is sometimes permissible because of the importance of authenticity in reproductive decisions. In particular, I argue that it is permissible for an agent to cause a disabled person to exist instead of a non-disabled person, if having a disabled child is the only way for her to make an authentic procreative decision. Third, I focus on the role of authenticity in the recent debate about decision-making in situations of moral uncertainty. I argue against hedging theories. These theories prescribe that in cases of moral uncertainty one should allow for an increase in the chances of acting wrongly, if this decreases the probability of acting severely wrongly. By looking at cases where agents make reproductive decisions based on the prescriptions of hedging theories, I argue that following the prescriptions of hedging theories conflict with the agent’s ability to engage in authentic action