  An abstract architecture for idealized multi-agent systems whose behaviour is
regulated by normative systems is developed and discussed. Agent choices are
determined partially by the preference ordering of possible states and
partially by normative considerations: The agent chooses that act which leads
to the best outcome of all permissible actions. If an action is non-permissible
depends on if the result of performing that action leads to a state satisfying
a condition which is forbidden, according to the norms regulating the
multi-agent system. This idea is formalized by defining set-theoretic
predicates characterizing multi-agent systems. The definition of the predicate
uses decision theory, the Kanger-Lindahl theory of normative positions, and an
algebraic representation of normative systems.
