Premise: Learn how to develop agentic LLM systems by building characters in Platonic dialogues…

Backstory: Stimulated by watching some CrewAI framework videos on Coursera

Concept: Following in the interpretation that Plato’s dialogues are intended to show “how to do philosophy” (in contrast to “doctrinal” or “esoteric” readings), we can see the characters as agents working together. Our approach is probably closest Byrd’s “summoner” reading of the dialogues (inspired by the parakaloūnta in Republic 522a) where they are intended to present the soul with contradictions for the sake of inducing the reader to formulate a higher hypothesis. But it might also have the sort of Tubingen-style reading that dialogue form is chosen specifically to present a model of ideal oral discourse.

Implementation: Inspired by Farnsworth’s Socratic Method: A Practitioner’s Guide, outline some core ideas of implementing multi-agent design patterns from scratch and then illustrate them with excerpts from the dialogues. In a step-by-step way, we build up the techniques in some framework (CrewAI or Autogen), but also an understanding of the motivations and ideas of the characters.

  1. Basic single-agent outputs: Mimic dialogues which have primarily just one speaker (whether Socrates or someone else)
  2. Interactions: Build on the classic dialetic techniques outlined in Farnsworth
  3. Interaction with Lean theorem proving: Recreating the Meno proof

What does gpt-4o say?

Outline the chapters in a book which teaches multi-agent AI methods modeled on specific Platonic dialogues.  The core idea is that each character in the dialogue is an AI agent

Sure! Here is an outline for a book that teaches multi-agent AI methods modeled on specific Platonic dialogues, where each character in the dialogue represents an AI agent:

Title: “Dialogues of Intelligence: Multi-Agent AI Through Platonic Dialogues”

Introduction

  • Purpose of the Book
    • Explain the concept of using Platonic dialogues to teach multi-agent AI.
    • Introduce the idea of each character as an AI agent.
  • Overview of Multi-Agent Systems
    • Definition and importance of multi-agent systems in AI.
    • Applications and real-world examples.

Chapter 1: The Basics of Multi-Agent Systems

  • Understanding Agents and Environments
    • Definition of an agent.
    • Types of environments.
  • Communication Between Agents
    • Methods and protocols for agent communication.
  • Agent Cooperation and Competition
    • Strategies for cooperation.
    • Conflict resolution and negotiation.

Chapter 2: The Socratic Method and Agent Learning

  • Dialogue: Socrates and Meno
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Learning Through Questioning
    • Implementing the Socratic method in AI agents.
    • Techniques for knowledge discovery and reasoning.

Chapter 3: The Republic and Collaborative Decision-Making

  • Dialogue: Socrates, Glaucon, and Adeimantus
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Forming a Just Society
    • Building consensus among agents.
    • Role allocation and specialization in multi-agent systems.
  • Hierarchical Structures
    • Implementing hierarchies and leadership roles.

Chapter 4: The Symposium and Emotional Intelligence

  • Dialogue: Socrates, Alcibiades, and Others
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Emotional Interaction Among Agents
    • Modeling emotions and empathy in agents.
    • Social bonds and relationships in multi-agent systems.

Chapter 5: Phaedrus and Agent Persuasion

  • Dialogue: Socrates and Phaedrus
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Persuasion and Influence
    • Techniques for persuasive communication.
    • Ethical considerations and manipulation.

Chapter 6: The Laws and Normative Systems

  • Dialogue: The Athenian Stranger, Clinias, and Megillus
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Formulating Rules and Norms
    • Creating and enforcing rules within multi-agent systems.
    • Balancing flexibility and rigidity in rule systems.

Chapter 7: The Sophist and Defining Agent Roles

  • Dialogue: The Eleatic Stranger and Theaetetus
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Role Identification and Classification
    • Defining roles and functions for different agents.
    • Dynamic role adaptation and evolution.

Chapter 8: The Phaedo and Agent Immortality

  • Dialogue: Socrates, Simmias, and Cebes
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Persistence and Continuity
    • Ensuring long-term operation and learning in agents.
    • Backup and recovery mechanisms.

Chapter 9: Timaeus and Agent Environments

  • Dialogue: Socrates, Timaeus, Critias, and Hermocrates
    • Overview of the dialogue and its themes.
  • Simulating Realistic Environments
    • Creating virtual worlds for multi-agent interaction.
    • Environmental dynamics and agent adaptation.

Chapter 10: Implementing Platonic Dialogues in AI Systems

  • Case Studies and Examples
    • Practical implementations and success stories.
  • Tools and Frameworks
    • Software and platforms for developing multi-agent systems.
  • Challenges and Future Directions
    • Current limitations and potential advancements.

Conclusion

  • Summary of Key Concepts
  • The Philosophical Perspective
    • Reflecting on the intersection of philosophy and AI.
  • Encouraging Further Exploration
    • Resources for continued learning and research.

Appendices

  • Glossary of Terms
  • References and Further Reading
  • Sample Code and Algorithms

This outline provides a structured approach to learning multi-agent AI methods through the lens of Platonic dialogues, emphasizing both the theoretical and practical aspects.