Agent

An agent is an autonomous entity with an ontological commitment{{fn|1}} and agenda of its own. The term originated in philosophy. Each agent possesses the ability to act autonomously; this is an important distinction because a simple act of obedience to a command does not qualify an entity as an agent. Nevertheless in business and in law an agent is often acting on a principal's behalf and has a legal duty to act in that person's best interest. An agent may interact{{fn|1}} or negotiate with its environment and/or with other agents. It may make decisions, such as whether to trust and whether to cooperate with others.

Notes

• {{fnb|1}} Stephen L. Harris, Agents of Chaos: earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press (1990) ISBN 0-87842-243-9