- When?
- March 6, 2018 5:00 PM
- Where?
- NB 5114.0004
What?
Abstract: A broad range of problems in various scientific disciplines can be cast as the problem of reaching an agreement amongst a group of so-called agents. Examples are the formation control of a group of mobile robots, the collective behavior of flocks of birds, or the dynamic of opinion forming in a large group. From the last example, it is however clear that the interactions between agents are not necessarily positive, in the sense that two neighboring agents try to agree. Instead, negative interactions might be present as well.
Motivated by two-party political systems, rival business cartels, or competing international alliances, the dynamics of opinion forming in networks with both positive and negative interactions will be discussed. To this end, graph theory as well as some basic theory on differential equations will be used. In particular, it will be shown that the graph theoretical property of structural balance is a requirement for polarization between two groups.
No subscription necessary. Free drinks and snacks after the lecture!