The agent’s own generative model also depends on (adapts to, is learned from, etc.) the agent’s environment. This last bit comes from “Discovering Agents”.
“Having own generative model” is the shakiest part.
What it means for the agent to “have a generative model” is that the agent systematically corrects this model based on its experience (to within some tolerable competence!).
It probably means that storage, computation, and maintenance (updates, learning) of the model all happen within the agent’s boundaries: if not, the agent’s boundaries shall be widened,
A model/belief/representation depends on reference maintenance, but in general, the machinery of reference maintenance can and usually should extend far beyond the representation itself.
For example, an important book will tend to get edition updates, but the complex machinery which results in such an update extends far beyond the book’s author.
A telescope produces a representation of far-away space, but the empty space between the telescope and the stars is also instrumental in maintaining the reference (eg, it must remain clear of obstacles).
A student does a lot of work “within their own boundaries” to maintain their knowledge, but they also use notebooks, computers, etc. The student’s teachers are also heavily involved in the reference-maintenance.
My current favourite notion of agency, primarily based on Active Inference,
I’m not a big fan of active inference. It strikes me as, basically, a not-particularly-great scheme for injecting randomness into actions to encourage exploration.
What it means for the agent to “have a generative model” is that the agent systematically corrects this model based on its experience (to within some tolerable competence!).
A model/belief/representation depends on reference maintenance, but in general, the machinery of reference maintenance can and usually should extend far beyond the representation itself.
For example, an important book will tend to get edition updates, but the complex machinery which results in such an update extends far beyond the book’s author.
A telescope produces a representation of far-away space, but the empty space between the telescope and the stars is also instrumental in maintaining the reference (eg, it must remain clear of obstacles).
A student does a lot of work “within their own boundaries” to maintain their knowledge, but they also use notebooks, computers, etc. The student’s teachers are also heavily involved in the reference-maintenance.
I’m not a big fan of active inference. It strikes me as, basically, a not-particularly-great scheme for injecting randomness into actions to encourage exploration.