The geometry of moral decision making

TL;DR

This paper presents a geometric framework linking bounded rationality in moral decision making to principles of deontology and utilitarianism, with applications to legal and autonomous agent models.

Contribution

It introduces a novel geometric interpretation of bounded rationality using information geometry, regularisation, and optimal control, connecting moral principles with decision-making models.

Findings

Deontology modeled as a regularisation function in optimal control.

Information geometry relates bounded rationality to rate distortion theory.

Application to legal rights restriction and autonomous agents.

Abstract

We show how (resource) bounded rationality can be understood as the interplay of two fundamental moral principles: deontology and utilitarianism. In particular, we interpret deontology as a regularisation function in an optimal control problem, coupled with a free parameter, the inverse temperature, to shield the individual from expected utility. We discuss the information geometry of bounded rationality and aspects of its relation to rate distortion theory. A central role is played by Markov kernels and regular conditional probability, which are also studied geometrically. A gradient equation is used to determine the utility expansion path. Finally, the framework is applied to the analysis of a disutility model of the restriction of constitutional rights that we derive from legal doctrine. The methods discussed here are also relevant to the theory of autonomous agents.