Compromise and Synchronization in Opinion Dynamics

In this paper we discuss two interesting models of opinion dynamics. We present first a brief review of the Hegselmann and Krause compromise model in two dimensions, showing that it is possible to simulate the opinion dynamics in the limit of an infinite number of agents by solving numerically a rate equation for a continuum distribution of opinions. Then we discuss the OCR model, which represents an alternative point of view in opinion dynamics and allows to study under which conditions a group of agents with a different natural tendency (rate) to change opinion can find agreement. Within this model, inspired to the Kuramoto model, consensus is viewed as a synchronization process