Case-based reasoning and social dilemmas: an agent- based simulation

This paper presents a study on the role of adaptation and the effects of other intrinsic motivations in addition to the economic payoffs in social dilemmas. Social dilemmas are modelled in an abstract way using a game-theoretic framework and agent-based modelling. The role of adaptation is studied by implementing agents that use case-based reasoning in their decision making algorithm. The effects of other intrinsic motivations are explored by introducing a certain preference for social approval that makes the agents be slightly more inclined to cooperate. The experiments conducted reveal a new concept of equilibrium characterised by the fact that no player can be guaranteed a higher payoff by changing their decision. It is proved that there is a broad range of adaptive decisionmaking algorithms for which such concept of equilibrium can be relevant.