Some Thoughts on Economic Theory and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

In this chapter I will offer some thoughts on the potential contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to economic theory. I write as someone who is at present an orthodox economic theorist and who has only recently been introduced to the ideas and achievements of modern artificial intelligence. My overall impression is that artificial intelligence does have a potential to offer to economic theory, both in terms of providing a fruitful perspective from which to view currently problematic issues, and through raising new and interesting problems that have been hitherto marginalised or ignored.