Agent

Agent refers to an entity that is capable of acting on behalf of another entity, known as the principal. Agents can be found in various fields such as law, computer science, philosophy, and economics. The concept of an agent is fundamental in understanding interactions and relationships in these disciplines.

Types of Agents

Legal Agent

A legal agent is an individual authorized to act on behalf of another person or entity in legal or business matters. This can include attorneys, real estate agents, and power of attorney representatives.

Software Agent

In computer science, a software agent is a computer program that acts autonomously to perform tasks on behalf of a user. Examples include intelligent agents, bots, and autonomous agents.

Philosophical Agent

In philosophy, an agent is an entity that has the capacity to act, make decisions, and exert influence. This concept is central to discussions of free will, moral responsibility, and agency.

Economic Agent

An economic agent is an individual or entity that makes economic decisions, such as consumers, firms, and governments. These agents interact within an economy to allocate resources and distribute goods and services.

Agent-Based Models

Agent-based models (ABMs) are computational models used to simulate the actions and interactions of autonomous agents. These models are used in various fields, including economics, sociology, and ecology, to study complex systems and emergent phenomena.

Related Concepts

• Principal-agent problem
• Multi-agent system
• Artificial intelligence
• Autonomous system
• Economic model

See Also

• Principal-agent problem
• Multi-agent system
• Artificial intelligence
• Autonomous system
• Economic model