Algorithms for Maintaining a Consistent Knowledge Base in Distributed Multiagent Environments

In this paper, we design algorithms for a system that allows Semantic Web agents to reason within what has come to be known as the Web of Trust. We integrate reasoning about belief and trust, so agents can reason about information from different sources and deal with contradictions. Software agents interact to support users who publish, share and search for documents in a distributed repository. Each agent maintains an individualized topic taxonomy for the user it represents, updating it with information obtained from other agents. Additionally, an agent maintains and updates trust relationships with other agents.