International School on Complexity: Course on
Statistical Physics of Social Dynamics:
Opinions, Semiotic Dynamics, and Language
Directors: Vittorio Loreto and Luc Steels
Ettore Majorana Foundation and Center For Scientific Culture
Erice, 14-19 July 2007
Satellite Workshop of STATPHYS 2007

Theme 1: Opinions and Culture Spreading


The spread and evolution of opinions is a central topic in sociology, politics and economics. One is interested in understanding whether and how, starting from each agent having a different opinion, consensus emerges or instead fragmentation occurs. Which mechanisms do favor, or hinder, the agreement? Society is modeled as a graph, with agents placed on the nodes and the links representing their interactions.

A preliminary schedule of this theme includes the following topic and speakers:


1.1 What opinions, cultural traits and language have in common

1.2 Models for opinion formation

1.3 Models for cultural assimilation

1.4 Co-evolution of agents and networks

1.5 Indirect reciprocity, reputation and moral hazard