A logic-based approach to decision making : (extended version)

Abstract

We propose a novel approach to the well-studied problem of making a nite, ordered sequence of decisions under uncertainty. Most existing work in this area concentrates on graphical representations of decision problems, and requires a complete speci cation of the problem. Our ap- proach is based on a formal logic, such that the choice of an optimal decision can be treated as a problem of logical deduction. The logical formalism allows to leave unknown aspects of the problem unstated, and it lends itself to various extensions that are di cult to incorporate into graphical approaches. On the other hand, we can show that our formalism can deduce at least the same consequences as are possible with the most popular graphical approach.