On the Axiomatization of Qualitative Decision Criteria

Abstract

Qualitative decision tools have been used in AI and CS in various contexts. However, their adequacy is unclear. Following Brafman and Tennenholtz, we use the axiomatic approach to investigate the adequacy and usefulness of various decision rules. We present constructive representation theorems for a number of qualitative decision criteria, including minmax regret , competitive ratio, and maximax , and characterize conditions under which a maximin agent can be ascribed qualitative beliefs. Introduction Decision theory plays a central role in various disciplines, including mathematical economics, game theory, operations research, industrial engineering, and statistics. It is widely recognized by now that decision making is crucial to AI as well, since artificial agents are, in fact, automated decision makers (RN95). However, many decision making techniques found in the AI literature are quite different from those found in other fields. Work in other disciplines has mostly adopted the v...