Temporal Reasoning and MAS

Abstract

In this paper we investigate if it is possible and useful to reason about time within social/normative multi-agent systems (MAS) by taking into account the general guidelines of tense logic. We focus on the combination of special-purpose logics: we provide a formal account in which a minimal temporalization helps in reasoning about time in an abstract way. We also explore a new variant of deontic tense logic by using a hybrid tense logic. The accounts provided allow to model temporal provisions within both particular norms and general legal principles, and also help in the detection of breaches of good faith and confidence.