Abstract
Although creativity is studied from philosophy to cognitive robotics, a definition has proven elusive. We argue for emphasizing the creative process (the cognition of the creative agent), rather than the creative product (the artifact or behavior). Owing to developments in experimental psychology, the process approach has become an increasingly attractive way of characterizing creative problem solving. In particular, the phenomenon of insight, in which an individual arrives at a solution through a sudden change in perspective, is a crucial component of the process of creativity. These developments resonate with advances in machine learning, in particular hierarchical and modular approaches, as the field of artificial intelligence aims for general solutions to problems that typically rely on creativity in humans or other animals. We draw a parallel between the properties of insight according to psychology and the properties of Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning (HRL) systems for embodied agents. Using the Creative Systems Framework developed by Wiggins and Ritchie, we analyze both insight and HRL, establishing that they are creative in similar ways. We highlight the key challenges to be met in order to call an artificial system “insightful”.
DOI
10.1016/j.robot.2016.08.021
Publication Date
2016-12-01
Publication Title
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Volume
86
ISSN
0921-8890
Embargo Period
2017-09-11
Organisational Unit
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
First Page
196
Last Page
206
Recommended Citation
Colin, T., Belpaeme, T., Cangelosi, A., & Hemion, N. (2016) 'Hierarchical reinforcement learning as creative problem solving', Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 86, pp. 196-206. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2016.08.021
