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Journal article

Reinforcement learning and artificial agency

Abstract:
There is an apparent connection between reinforcement learning and agency. In computer science entities controlled by reinforcement learning algorithms are standardly referred to as agents, and the mainstream view in the psychology and neuroscience of agency is that humans and other animals are reinforcement learners. This paper examines this connection, focusing on artificial reinforcement learning systems and working from the assumption that there are a range of forms of agency. Artificial reinforcement learning systems satisfy plausible conditions for minimal agency, and those which use models of the environment to perform forward search are capable of a form of agency which may reasonably be called action for reasons.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1111/mila.12458

Authors


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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Philosophy Faculty
Role:
Author


Publisher:
Wiley
Journal:
Mind and Language More from this journal
Volume:
39
Issue:
1
Pages:
22-38
Publication date:
2023-05-12
Acceptance date:
2023-04-06
DOI:
EISSN:
1468-0017
ISSN:
0268-1064


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1337624
Local pid:
pubs:1337624
Deposit date:
2023-04-17

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