In many situations we are forced to make decisions without having complete knowledge of the outcomes of our choices. The aim of this course is to provide a foundation for reflection on how rational choices can be made in such situations. We will discuss concepts such as rationality, preferences, goals, uncertainty, and utility. What does it mean to say that a preference, a goal, or a choice is rational? How should decisions be made under uncertainty and risk? What importance does the expected utility of different options have in a decision situation? This course will also serve as an introduction to game theory and social decision theory.
FAK3140 Decision Theory 7.5 credits
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Information for Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 14 Jan 2025 - 2 Jun 2025
- Periods
- P3 (4.5 hp), P4 (3.0 hp)
- Pace of study
25%
- Application code
60012
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
- Part of programme
- No information inserted
Contact
John Cantwell (john.cantwell@abe.kth.se)
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FAK3140 (Autumn 2019–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus FAK3140 (Autumn 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course, the student should be able to outline and analyse arguments and basic issues in
- decision under risk and ignorance,
- collective decision theory,
- the conceptual basis of decision theory,
- formalization of decision problems.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Entry requirements for PhD studies
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
- Peterson, M. ”An Introduction to Decision Theory”, Cambridge University Press.
- Other literature posted on the course website at the latest four weeks before the course starts
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- TEN1 - Exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- UPP1 - Essay, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
- DEL1 Seminar participation and home exercises 3.0 credits
- EXC1 Home assigments 4.5 credits
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No information inserted
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
This course does not belong to any Main field of study.
Education cycle
Third cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
John Cantwell (john.cantwell@abe.kth.se)
Supplementary information
This course id offered in conjunction with the second cycle course AK2014. See that course for information about course offerings.
To apply for the course, please fill in the form available on this link: https://www.kth.se/form/fak3140-decision-theory
Please note! This course replaces F1N5117 Decision Theory 7.5 credits