Multi-agent systems and game theory - A peircean manifesto

Game theory provides fresh insights into computational multi-agent systems by introducing strategic dimensions into systems that otherwise may rest on unstable methodology. Games, as goal-oriented processes, also economize agent interaction by providing methods of approaching agent rationality as well as its bounded manifestations. Since games are open systems, heeding this methodological stance will turn agents into such open systems too. Unfortunately, this contribution has remained in the shadows of the mainstream agent research. My purpose is to explore the philosophical foundations of the connection between agents and strategic interactions in terms of the semiotic theory of Charles S. Peirce. I will correlate some foundational aspects of the interplay between the two fields, agents and games, with Peirce's pragmatist philosophy. These aspects, I argue, may be included in the research agenda.