Dependence Relations

These relations can be divided into a number of different types:

Independence - no dependency between agents

Unilateral - one agent depends on the other, but not vice versa

Mutual - Both agents depend on each other with respect to the same goal

Reciprocal dependence - The first agent depends on the other for some goal, and the second also depends on the first for some goal (but the two goals don't have to be the same). Note: mutual dependence implies reciprocal dependence

The way these relationships are qualified is by considering whether or not they are locally believed or mutually believed. Locally believed dependence occurs if one agent believes the dependence exists, but doesn't believe that the other believes this too. A mutually believed dependence exists when the agent believes the dependence exists, and also believes that the other agent is aware of it.