Definitionv1
Agent archaeology: the practice of excavating diagnostic
Agent archaeology: the practice of excavating diagnostic information from retired cognitive agents to identify recurring design assumptions, environmental constraints, and systematic failures that inform future agent design
Why This Is a Definition
This definition clearly names the term 'agent archaeology', states its genus as a practice of excavation, and specifies its differentia - identifying diagnostic information, recurring assumptions, constraints, and failures to inform future design. It distinguishes this practice from mere abandonment or embarrassment with specific examples and explains the systematic value of examining retired agents.