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The Participatory Turn: A Multidimensional Gradual Agency Concept for Human and Non-human Actors

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Collective Agency and Cooperation in Natural and Artificial Systems

Part of the book series: Philosophical Studies Series ((PSSP,volume 122))

Abstract

Novel varieties of interplay between humans, robots and software agents are on the rise. Computer-based artefacts are no longer mere tools but have become interaction partners. Distributed problem solving and social agency may be modelled by social computing systems based on multi-agent systems (MAS). MAS and agent-based modelling (ABM) approaches focus on the simulation of complex interactions and relationships of human and/or non-human agents. MAS may be deployed both in virtual environments and cyber-physical systems. With regard to their impact on the physical environment, such systems possess a virtual actuality in a testbed. They have a real actuality when they are employed in real time in order to govern processes in the natural world. Constellations of inter-agency and distributed agency materialize. This paper presents a multidimensional, gradual classification framework for individual and joint agency. Activity level, adaptivity, interaction and personification of others are essential dimensions. The framework allows constellations of distributed and collective agency in socio-technical systems to be analysed in detail. Scenarios where solely humans act can be compared to testbed simulations based on this classification scheme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Munich Center for Technology in Society, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany

    Sabine Thürmel

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  1. Sabine Thürmel
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Correspondence to Sabine Thürmel .

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  1. Institute of Philosophy, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

    Catrin Misselhorn

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Thürmel, S. (2015). The Participatory Turn: A Multidimensional Gradual Agency Concept for Human and Non-human Actors. In: Misselhorn, C. (eds) Collective Agency and Cooperation in Natural and Artificial Systems. Philosophical Studies Series, vol 122. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15515-9_3

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