TITLE: Which relational algebra corresponds to algebra of utility functions and their cones?
SPEAKER: Roman Belavkin (Middlesex University)

ABSTRACT:
Utility functions are representations of preference relations (binary relations that are total and transitive), and they are used in game theory, economics, optimisation theory as well as artificial intelligence.  Utility functions can be added and multiplied to obtain new utility functions.  Functions that are representations of the same preference are convex cones in the function space, and they too can be subjected to binary operations.  In this talk I will discuss an attempt to construct algebra of preference relations that has some correspondence with the algebra of their functions and cones.