Maximum Rationality Hypothesis
Maximum Rationality Hypothesis
Several different views of the nature of
rationality in intelligent
behavior have been introduced in the study of
cognitive architectures and in
artificial intelligence in general. Two are
briefly discussed here. Simon's discussion of
bounded rationality is central to a
discussion of rationality as well.
The Maximum Rationality Hypothesis
The Maximum Rationality Hypothesis was proposed by
Allen Newell in 1982 as
the principle of rationality: "If an agent has knowledge that one
of its actions will lead to one of its goals, then the agent will select
that action". This formulation results in the law of behavior at the
knowledge level. Thus, there is a direct
connection between goals, knowledge and subsequent actions.
The Principle of Rationality
Anderson offered a different
perspective on rationality (called
rational analysis)
and formulated a different behavioral
principle. The Anderson, the principle of rationality is:
"The cognitive system optimizes the adaptation of the
behavior of the organism". The primary difference between Anderson's
formulation and Newell's is that Anderson considers optimality to be
necessary for rationality. Newell's, on the other hand, does not
say that the best action will be taken but only that there is a connection
between goals and behavior, mediated by the knowledge available to the
agent.
List of Theories
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