06Goals and Decision Making

If intelligence is meant to dynamically solve novel problems, who defines which problems have to be solved? How are conflicting priorities resolved?

Goals across domains

In physics, systems progress toward equilibrium. In biology, organisms exhibit goal-directed behavior. Humans have goals ranging from basic survival to self-actualization (Maslow's hierarchy). Groups and societies develop goals shaped by cultural, historical, and political contexts. AI operates with explicit goals (programmed rules) and implicit goals (learned patterns).

Personality, goals and behaviours

Different personality traits shape how goals are prioritized. AI systems can be fine-tuned to exhibit behaviors that mimic different personalities. The capability to model AI personality is a powerful tool to investigate implications of different traits.

Decision making

System 1 handles routine tasks; System 2 engages when conscious effort is required. Decisions derive from a combination of goals, available information, acquired intelligence, and limiting factors—plus a component of randomness.

The role of emotions

Emotions act as internal feedback mechanisms: hunger signals nourishment, fear prompts avoidance, desire motivates pursuit. They are more than signals—they initiate actions.