Decision theory and artificial intelligence, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is an introduction to some central issues in decision theory and their relationship to artificial intelligence (AI). As more and more decisions are done by artificial systems questions pertaining to what characterizes good decision making become more relevant. Automated systems have a wide range of applications, ranging from self-driving cars to chess computers. What can such systems tell us about good decision making, and what can traditional decision theory tell us about such systems? This course introduces traditional decision-theoretic tools and models and discusses the bearing of these to core issues in the philosophy of AI. After outlining some central issues in decision theory, we will explore the questions: what can philosophers of AI learn from those working on decision theory, and what can decision theorists learn from the continuing development of AI?  

This course will be given in English and previous experience with logic, cognitive science and/or decision theory is recommended but not required.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course the students will  

Knowledge and understanding 

• have a basic understanding of decision theoretic concepts.  
• have a basic understanding of decision theoretic problems in relation to AI. 

Skill and ability 

• be able to apply decision-theoretic tools to questions concerning AI.  
• be able to discuss and evaluate approaches in normative decision theory and decision theoretic problems in a critical and independent way.  
• have demonstrated their ability to present their knowledge in writing. 

Judgement and approach 

• have demonstrated the ability to critically reflect on central issues in normative decision theory and AI. 

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars. If the course is given as an internet course then all teaching will be online and students are expected to have access to a computer and a stable internet connection.

Examination modes

The examination consists of active participation in seminars and written assignments. For the written tasks, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (P), and Pass with Distinction (VG). 

For the seminars, the grades given are Fail (U) and Pass (P). For approved seminar participation, active participation in all seminars is required. 

On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade Pass (G) on the course as a whole requires that the student earned a Pass (G) on all graded seminars and a Pass (G) on all written assignments. The grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the course as a whole requires in addition that the student earned a Pass with Distinction (VG) on a majority of the graded written assignments. 

 Students who have passed may not undergo further examination for higher grades. For those students who have not been approved at the regular examination opportunity, a re-examination is arranged within two months after the ordinary examination opportunity, and another within one year, so-called collection examination.  

Students who have twice failed an examination for a course or part of a course have the right at the next re-examination opportunity to request from the head of education at the Faculty of Humanities that a new examiner be appointed for future re-examinations unless there are special reasons to the contrary.  

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student.  

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.

Other regulations

This course may not be used towards a degree, in whole or in part, together with another course of similar content.