Priors in Animal and Artificial Intelligence: Where Does Learning Begin?

Abstract

A major goal for the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) is to build machines that are able to reason and cope with novel tasks, environments, and situations in a manner that approaches the abilities of animals. Evidence from precocial species suggests that driving learning through suitable priors can help to successfully face this challenge.

Keywords: AI; cognition; imprinting; machine learning; predisposition; spontaneous preference.