The declarative problem frame: designing systems that create and use norms

This paper analyzes design guidelines for reactive systems that control a social environment. In contrast to a physical environment, a social environment cannot be controlled by physical calculation, but it can be controlled by symbolic interaction in combination with the appropriate norms. The paper shows that this involves three kinds of norms: the desired effects of the system, norms needed to achieve these effects, and norms for the subject domain that are independent from the system. The norms presuppose by the responses of the system include the ability of the system to act on behalf of legal persons as well as responsibilities allocated to legal persons. The analysis leads to design guidelines and a problem frame for social control by machine.