Speaker:
Martin Mose Bentzen

Title:
Towards a theory of causal agency for formal ethics

Abstract:
A slightly modified version of causal models as developed by Pearl and Halpern are introduced. The framework is restricted to a propositional setting. Directed acyclic graphs are introduced as first-class citizens and not to be inferred from structural equations. These causal models are merged with models known from stit theory and game theory. This gives a causal structure to worlds and classes of worlds (e.g. actions, causal mechanisms). This theory of causal agency can be used within formal ethics. Suggestions are provided as to how to formalize a causal version of pareto optimization and the double effect principle. Examples from social robotics are given.

The main focus of this paper is on developing the basic semantics.