Cognitive Agent

A Cognitive Agent is an intelligent agent (with cognitive skill) who can perform a cognitive task and process information adaptively.

Context:
- It can (typically) contain an Inductive Reasoning System for pattern recognition.
- It can (typically) contains a Deductive Reasoning System for logical inference.
- It can (typically) have a Learning Ability for knowledge acquisition.
- It can (typically) have a Cognition System (such as a brain) for information processing.
- ...
- It can often contain an Abductive Reasoning System for hypothesis generation.
- It can often be supported by a Cognitive Operating System for mental operations.
- It can often make Cognitive Agent Decisions that lead to Cognitive Agent Actions.
- It can often be a Linguistic Agent capable of symbol manipulation.
- It can often develop Mental Models of its environment.
- ...
- It can range from being a Conscious Agent (and approximate Human Intellectual Abilities) to being a Non-Conscious Cognitive Agent.
- It can range from being a Living Cognitive Agent to being a Mechanical Cognitive Agent.
- It can range from being an Emotional Cognitive Agent to being a Non-Emotional Cognitive Agent.
- It can range from being a Single Domain Agent to being a General Intelligence Agent.
- ...
- It can have a Cognitive Agent Skill Level in various domains.
- It can be an Introspecting System with self-awareness.
- It can have Personal Interests driving motivation.
- It can have a Cognitive Bias affecting decision making.
- It can possess Theory of Mind for social cognition.
- It can develop Learning Strategys for skill acquisition.
- ...
Examples:
- Biological Agents, such as:
  - Human Beings with natural intelligence.
  - Higher Primates with cognitive capabilitys.
  - Dolphins demonstrating problem solving.
- Artificial Agents, such as:
  - Advanced AI Systems with learning capabilitys.
  - Autonomous Robots with decision making abilities.
  - Expert Systems in specialized domains.
- Hybrid Agents, such as:
  - Augmented Humans with cognitive enhancements.
  - Brain-Computer Interface systems.
  - Distributed Intelligence networks.
- ...
Counter-Examples:
- Non-Cognitive Intelligent Agents, such as:
  - Reactive Systems without internal representations.
  - Simple Reflex Agents with fixed response patterns.
  - Instinct-Driven Organisms without learning capabilitys.
- Non-Intelligent Systems, such as:
  - Basic Tools without adaptive behavior.
  - Static Programs without decision making.
- ...
See: Intelligence Type, Learning System, Decision Making Process, Knowledge Representation, Cognitive Architecture, Mental State, Information Processing System, Adaptive Behavior, Embodied Cognition, Cognitive Development.

References

2009

(Berg-Cross, 2009) ⇒ Gary Berg-Cross. (2009). “Is An Agent Theory of Mind (ToM) Valuable for Adaptive, Intelligent Systems?.” In: Proceedings of the 9th Workshop on Performance Metrics for Intelligent Systems. doi:10.1145/1865909.1865936
- QUOTE: Formalized as a ToM theory these propose alternative inherited or acquired paths by which a particular cognitive capacity may arise in a cognitive agent (children) so they understand and predict external behavior of others by attributing unobservable mental states, such as beliefs, desires and intentions.

2002

(Riegler, 2002) ⇒ Alexander Riegler. (2002). “When is a Cognitive System Embodied?.” In: Cognitive Systems Research Journal, 3(3). doi:10.1016/S1389-0417(02)00046-3
- QUOTE: For cognitive systems, embodiment appears to be of crucial importance.