Definition ∞ Rational agents are theoretical entities, often used in economic models and game theory, that consistently act to maximize their own utility or expected outcome given their available information and preferences. In the context of decentralized systems, this assumes participants will behave in a manner that benefits them most, within the rules of the protocol. Their actions are predictable based on logical self-interest. This assumption is crucial for designing robust incentive mechanisms.
Context ∞ The concept of rational agents is fundamental to the design of blockchain consensus mechanisms and economic models, particularly in proof-of-stake systems where validators are expected to act honestly to maximize their rewards. Protocol designers often account for potential malicious behavior by rational agents, implementing penalties for actions that harm the network. Analyzing validator behavior through this lens is vital for understanding network security and stability in digital asset ecosystems.
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