mlsanityData to 14 Oct 2026

Formalizing Embeddedness Failures in Universal Artificial Intelligence

arXiv 2505.17882 ↗First posted 23 May 2025cs.AIcited by 1

On the map: Deep reinforcement learning methods → Deep RL algorithms and representations

Abstract (arXiv)

We rigorously discuss the commonly asserted failures of the AIXI reinforcement learning agent as a model of embedded agency. We attempt to formalize these failure modes and prove that they occur within the framework of universal artificial intelligence, focusing on a variant of AIXI that models the joint action/percept history as drawn from the universal distribution. We also evaluate the progress that has been made towards a successful theory of embedded agency based on variants of the AIXI agent.

Key facts. Cited by 1 paper in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in Deep RL algorithms and representations, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods. Builds on 2 of its 14 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 23 May 2025.

Builds on

2 of 14 references.

References · 2

  1. 2016A Formal Solution to the Grain of Truth Problemcited by 6
  2. 2015Sequential Extensions of Causal and Evidential Decision Theorycited by 1

Built on by

Cited by year (2026 to 14 Oct)

Citing papers per year: 2026: 1.

1 paper.

Similar, not cited

Close in wording, no citation either way

  1. 2025Embedded Universal Predictive Intelligence: a coherent framework for multi-agent learning
  2. 2025Architectures for Building Agentic AI
  3. 2025Universal AI maximizes Variational Empowerment
  4. 2026Artificial Agency Program: Curiosity, compression, and communication in agents
  5. 2025Exploring Agentic Artificial Intelligence Systems: Towards a Typological Framework
  6. 2026Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI): Architectures, Taxonomies, and Evaluation of Large Language Model Agents
  7. 2026Agency as a New Organizing Abstraction for Computer Science
  8. 2026Intelligence as Managed Autonomy: Failure, Escalation, and Governance for Agentic AI Systems