Utility-Based Abstraction and Categorization

Based Abstraction and Categorization Eric J. Horvitz∗ and Adrian C. Klein Palo Alto Laboratory Rockwell International Science Center 444 High Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 We take a utility-based approach to categorization. We construct generalizations about events and actions by considering losses associated with failing to distinguish among detailed distinctions in a decision model. The utility-based methods transform detailed states of the world into more abstract categories comprised of disjunctions of the states. We show how we can cluster distinctions into groups of distinctions at progressively higher f abstraction, and describe rules for making with the abstractions. The techniques introduce a utility-based perspective on the nature of concepts, and provide a means of simplifying decision models used in automated reasoning systems. We demonstrate the techniques by describing the capabilities and output of TUBA, a program for based abstraction.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1993
• Where: UAI
• Authors: Eric Horvitz, Adrian Klein
• Keywords: Decision Models, Palo Alto, UAI 1993, UAI 2008, Utility-based Approach