Agents based on reactive planning architectures use pre-specified plans as behaviour specifications. Typically, such agents are motivated by desires to achieve or maintain states of the world. In this paper, however, we discuss a reactive planning agent architecture – NoA – where the behaviour of an agent is motivated and governed by norms. Normative agents are motivated by obligations to act, ...

In this paper, following the work of Hare, we consider moral reasoning not as the application of moral norms and principles, but as reasoning about what ought to be done in a particular situation, with moral norms perhaps emerging from this reasoning. We model this situated reasoning drawing on our previous work on argumentation schemes, here set in the context of Action-Based Alternating Trans...

The monotonicity property of inference in conventional formal systems of logic (S ` A and S ⊆ T implies T ` A) appears to prohibit certain crucial steps in practical intuitive reasoning. For example, reasoning by default (using assertions that are assumed to hold until explicitly contradicted) appears to be impossible in monotonic systems. Many crucial steps in practical reasoning certainly req...

In this paper we describe an approach to practical reasoning, reasoning about what it is best for a particular agent to do in a given situation, based on presumptive justifications of action through the instantiation of an argument scheme, which is then subject to examination through a series of critical questions. We identify three particular aspects of practical reasoning which distinguish it...

In understanding fully persons' moral predicaments, a core component of forming perceptual judgments, nurses may need to shift the epistemology of their practice from instrumental reasoning, or means-ends thinking, integrating a virtue-based practical reasoning. A bearing witness that achieves understanding of clients' moral qualities is attained through the articulation of nurses' self-identit...

This paper concerns the challenges that face university-based business schools. These are concerned with their ability to maintain expectations in educational and research terms, whilst at same time making impact social contexts. outlines how might be informed by a heightened awareness of difference between pure practical reasoning. was key concern Immanuel Kant, who laid foundation philosophic...