CIIS Public Programs Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths: Algorithms to Live By
May 7, 2016
Brian Christian, an author and computer scientist, and Tom Griffiths, a cognitive scientist, dive into the intriguing world of algorithms and human decision-making. They unravel the explore-exploit dilemma and discuss its impact on personal choices, from dating to parking. The duo introduces the 'look then leap' rule and highlights computational kindness in social interactions. They also explore how scheduling theory applies to time management, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks and minimizing regret for a fulfilling life.
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Explore–Exploit Tradeoff Guides Decisions
- Every decision balances trying known options and exploring new ones.
- Computer science models this as the explore-exploit trade-off via the multi-armed bandit.
Same Algorithms Power Ads And Medicine
- Explore-exploit algorithms choose webpages and ads to maximize clicks.
- Tom Griffiths notes the same methods better allocate treatments in clinical trials.
Use Distance Rules When Parking
- Memorize 'look then leap' distances based on spot availability.
- Tom Griffiths gives examples like 3% free → commit 23 spaces away.
