Abstract Details

Modeling Reciprocal Altruism and Forgiveness in Interstellar Messages: A Population-Based Approach
Michael P. Matessa & Douglas Vakoch (USA)

In this paper, we expand upon our earlier work in algorithmic modeling of reciprocity and forgiveness for interstellar message construction, moving from an account of a series of interactions between individual agents to an account of random sampling of individuals within populations using varied strategies. These agents need to sustain a certain body weight to survive. If agents fall below a critical weight, they cease to exist in subsequent trials. The program is designed to communicate that issues of reciprocity and forgiveness, sharing and taking, are not merely strategies for winning abstract games, but are vital to the agent