Rationality and Intelligence: A Brief Update

Abstract

The long-term goal of AI is the creation and understanding of intelligence. This requires a notion of intelligence that is precise enough to allow the cumulative development of robust systems and general results. The concept of rational agency has long been considered a leading candidate to fulfill this role. This paper, which updates a much earlier version (Russell, Artif Intell 94:57–77, 1997), reviews the sequence of conceptual shifts leading to a different candidate, bounded optimality, that is closer to our informal conception of intelligence and reduces the gap between theory and practice. Some promising recent developments are also described.