text: In this paper we propose a use-case-driven iterative design methodology for normative frameworks, also called virtual institutions, which are used to govern open systems. Our computational model represents the normative framework as a logic program under answer set semantics (ASP). By means of an inductive logic programming approach, implemented using ASP, it is possible to synthesise new rules and revise the existing ones. The learning mechanism is guided by the designer who describes the desired properties of the framework through use cases, comprising (i) event traces that capture possible scenarios, and (ii) a state that describes the desired outcome. The learning process then proposes additional rules, or changes to current rules, to satisfy the constraints expressed in the use cases. Thus, the contribution of this paper is a process for the elaboration and revision of a normative framework by means of a semi-automatic and iterative process driven from specifications of (un)desirable behaviour. The process integrates a novel and general methodology for theory revision based on ASP.
  @cite_14: This paper puts forward a normative framework for computational societies which enables the handling of incomplete knowledge about normative relations. In particular, attempts to perform a social action are evaluated as permitted, prohibited (i.e. not permitted) or pending for execution (i.e. neither permitted nor prohibited). This latter category of attempts can eventually be resolved as permitted or prohibited attempts using the speech acts allow and forbid. We make use of the support for incompleteness of action language K in the formalisation of the framework. The proposal will be illustrated with some scenarios drawn from the management of university courses.
  @cite_4: In multi-agent systems, software agents are modelled to possess characteristics and behaviour borrowed from human societies. Norms are expectations of behaviours of the agents in a society. Norms can be established in a society in different ways. In human societies, there are several types of norms such as moral norms, social norms and legal norms (laws). In artificial agent societies, the designers can impose these norms on the agents. Being autonomous, agents might not always follow the norms. Monitoring and controlling mechanisms should be in place to enforce norms. As the agents are autonomous, they themselves can evolve new norms while adapting to changing needs. In order to design and develop robust artificial agent societies, it is important to understand different approaches proposed by researchers by which norms can spread and emerge within agent societies. This paper makes two contributions to the study of norms. Firstly, based on the simulation works on norms, we propose a life-cycle model for norms. Secondly, we discuss different mechanisms used by researchers to study norm creation, spreading, enforcement and emergence.
summary: Essentially, the objective of each of the above is to realize a transformation of the normative framework to accommodate some form of shortcoming. These shortcomings can be identified in several ways: All of these can be viewed as characterising emergent @cite_4 approaches to the evolution of normative frameworks, where some mechanism, either in the framework, or in the environment, is used to revise the norms. In the approach taken here, the designer presents use cases that effectively capture the behavioural requirements for the system, in order to fix' bad states. This has an interesting parallel with the scheme put forward by Serrano and Saugar @cite_14 , where they propose the specification of incomplete theories and their management through incomplete normative states identified as pending''.