An Architecture for Rational Agents

This paper is concerned with designing architectures for rational agents. In the proposed architecture, agents have belief bases that are theories in a multi-modal, higher-order logic. Belief bases can be modified by a belief acquisition algorithm that includes both symbolic, on-line learning and conventional knowledge base update as special cases. A method of partitioning the state space of the agent in two different ways leads to a Bayesian network and associated influence diagram for selecting actions. The resulting agent architecture exhibits a tight integration between logic, probability, and learning. This approach to agent architecture is illustrated by a user agent that is able to personalise its behaviour according to the user\u27s interests and preferences