On the benefits of argumentation for negotiation - preliminary version

Abstract

We present preliminary work on the benefits of argumentation-based negotiation, for a simple framework for one-to-one negotiation between agents in a resource reallocation setting. Agents engage in dialogues with other agents in order to obtain resources they need but do not have. Di- alogues are regulated by simple communication policies that allow agents to provide reasons (arguments) for their refusals to give away resources; agents use assumption-based argumentation in order to deploy these poli- cies. We assess the benefits of providing these reasons both informally and experimentally: by providing reasons, agents are “more effective” in identifying a reallocation of resources if one exists and failing if none exists.