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AK2014 Decision Theory 7.5 credits

Beslutsteori

Please note

The information on this page is based on a course plan that is not yet valid.

Introductory course in decision theory.

In many situations we are forced to make decisions without having complete knowledge of the outcomes of our choices. The aim of this course is to provide a foundation for reflection on how rational choices can be made in such situations. We will discuss concepts such as rationality, preferences, goals, uncertainty, and utility. What does it mean to say that a preference, a goal, or a choice is rational? How should decisions be made under uncertainty and risk? What importance does the expected utility of different options have in a decision situation? This course will also serve as an introduction to game theory and social decision theory.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    C

  • Subject area

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Spring 14 for programme students

Spring 14 for single courses students - To application

  • Periods

    Spring 14 P3 (7.5 credits)

  • Application code

    20043

  • Start date

    20/01/2014

  • End date

    2014 week: 12

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    -

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places *

    1 - 8

    *) The Course date may be cancelled if number of admitted are less than minimum of places. If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    Till Grüne-Yanoff <gryne@kth.se>

  • Target group

    Eligible for students that are allowed to take advanced level (second cycle) courses. For non-KTH students, university studies in philosophy are recommended.

  • Application

    Apply for this course at antagning.se through this application link.
    Please note that you need to log in at antagning.se to finalize your application.

Learning outcomes

After completed course, the student should be able to outline and analyse arguments and basic issues in

  • decision under risk and ignorance,
  • collective decision theory,
  • the history of decision theory,
  • formalization of decision problems.

Course main content

In many situations we are forced to make decisions without having complete knowledge of the outcomes of our choices. The aim of this course is to provide a foundation for reflection on how rational choices can be made in such situations. We will discuss concepts such as rationality, preferences, goals, uncertainty, and utility. What does it mean to say that a choice is rational? How should decisions be made under uncertainty and risk? What importance does the expected utility of different options have in a decision situation? This course will also serve as an introduction to game theory and social decision theory.

The course is offered provided that there are at least 10 students that intend to study it.

Eligibility

Higher education studies comprising 120 ECTS credits. Language proficiency corresponding to English B/English 6 in Swedish gymnasium.

Literature

  • Peterson, M. ”An Introduction to Decision Theory”, Cambridge University Press.
  • Övrig kurslitteratur anslås på kursens hemsida senast fyra veckor innan kursstart.

Examination

  • DEL1 - Attendance, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • UPP1 - Essay, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

  • Attendance (DEL1; 1,5 cr)
  • Essay (INL1; 3 cr)
  • Written examination (TEN1; 3 cr).

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Contact

Till Grüne-Yanoff, gryne@kth.se

Examiner

Till Grüne-Yanoff <gryne@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Spring 14.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 07.