A protocol-based semantics for an agent communication language

Abstract

There are fundamental limitations on using mental attitudes to formalise the semantics of an Agent Communication Language (ACL). Instead, we define a general semantic framework for an ACL in terms of protocols. We then argue that the proper role of mental attitudes is to link what an agent 'thinks ' about the content of a message to what it 'does ' in response to receiving that message. We formalise this connection through normative and informative specifications and demonstrate its use in communication between two BDI-style agents. 1