opinions.go

package main

import "time"

func main() {

  // FIXME: This is not thread-safe. Then again, that just makes it
  // interesting.

  // All opinions strengthen over time, given no facts.
  go func() {
    time.Sleep(24 * 60 * 60 * 1000000000) // 1 day
    for _, op := range opinions {
      op.strengthen(stuckInMyWaysDelta) // presumably >0 but small
      // NOTE: stuckInMyWaysDelta keeps getting increased each time we
      // release. This is becoming a problem.
    }
  }()

  // Accept incoming facts, adjust opinions accordingly. Congruent facts
  // strengthen opinions, incongruent facts weaken opinions.
  go func() {
    for f := range factChan {
      for _, op := range opinions {
        agree, value := op.arbitrateFact(f)
        if !agree {
          value = -value
        }
        relevancy := op.factRelevancy(f) // >= 0.0
        op.strengthen(value * relevancy)
      }
    }
  }()

  // Contrariness loop:
  // Disabled if pleasant or uninteresting.
  if !pleasant || interesting {
    go func() {
      // For each incoming opinion (from another program), reconcile with
      // existing, local opinions. Unlike facts, opinions are strengthened
      // because of disagreement, not agreement.
      for inOp := range opinionChan {
        for _, op := range opinions {
          agree, value := op.arbitrate(inOp)
          if agree {
            value = -value
          }
          value *= howMuchICareCoefficient // see social.go
          relevancy := op.relevancy(inOp) // >= 0.0
          op.strengthen(value * relevancy)
        }
      }
    }()
  }

  go inspireNewOpinions()
  go garbageCollectStaleOpinions()

  metabolize() // doesn't return until SIGTERM
}