Abstract/Details

RESOLVING ADVERSARIAL CONFLICTS: AN APPROACH INTEGRATING CASE-BASED AND ANALYTIC METHODS

SYCARA, EKATERINI PANAGIOTOU.   Georgia Institute of Technology ProQuest Dissertations Publishing,  1987. 8718465.

Abstract (summary)

This thesis addresses the problem of finding compromise solutions to multi-agent conflicts. This is a difficult problem since the compromise choices that a problem solver has for continuum-valued goals are infinite, and the agents need to be persuaded to partially abandon goals during problem solving.

To deal with these difficulties, we propose an integration of: (1) Heuristic Methods. Use of past cases similar to the current problem; (2) Analytic Methods. Application of multi-attribute utility theory to many decision makers. Past problem solving episodes similar to the current one are used to focus on the relevant parts of a problem, form a basis for analogical reasoning, avoid past mistakes, and suggest argumentation strategies. Utility theory is used to identify feasible compromises, evaluate whether a contemplated solution is an improvement on a previously rejected one and provide a computational formalism for persuasive argumentation.

We present the processes mentioned above and the knowledge sources that support them. Our examples are taken from the domain of labor mediation and are implemented in a computer program, called the PERSUADER that functions as a mediator in hypothetical labor negotiations. Using the methods described, it suggests appropriate settlements to the disputants. If a suggested compromise is rejected, the PERSUADER attempts to either modify the settlement or the opposing party's "view" of the settlement using the same methods.

Indexing (details)


Subject
Computer science
Classification
0984: Computer science
Identifier / keyword
Applied sciences
Title
RESOLVING ADVERSARIAL CONFLICTS: AN APPROACH INTEGRATING CASE-BASED AND ANALYTIC METHODS
Author
SYCARA, EKATERINI PANAGIOTOU
Number of pages
435
Degree date
1987
School code
0078
Source
DAI-B 48/05, Dissertation Abstracts International
Place of publication
Ann Arbor
Country of publication
United States
ISBN
979-8-205-97258-1
University/institution
Georgia Institute of Technology
University location
United States -- Georgia
Degree
Ph.D.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
8718465
ProQuest document ID
303466343
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/docview/303466343