A Dual Process Theory of Optimistic Cognition

Peter Sunehag, Marcus Hutter

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Optimism is a prevalent bias in human cognition including variations like self-serving beliefs, illusions of control and overly positive views of one's own future. Further, optimism has been linked with both success and happiness. In fact, it has been described as a part of human mental well-being which has otherwise been assumed to be about being connected to reality. In reality, only people suffering from depression are realistic. Here we study a formalization of optimism within a dual process framework and study its usefulness beyond human needs in a way that also applies to artificial reinforcement learning agents. Optimism enables systematic exploration which is essential in an (partially) unknown world. The key property of an optimistic hypothesis is that if it is not contradicted when one acts greedily with respect to it, then one is well rewarded even if it is wrong.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 36th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2014
    PublisherThe Cognitive Science Society
    Pages2949-2954
    Number of pages6
    ISBN (Electronic)9780991196708
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    Event36th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2014 - Quebec City, Canada
    Duration: 23 Jul 201426 Jul 2014

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of the 36th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2014

    Conference

    Conference36th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, CogSci 2014
    Country/TerritoryCanada
    CityQuebec City
    Period23/07/1426/07/14

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