Multi-objective reinforcement learning for provably incentivising alignment with value systems

• The problem of alignment to multiple values can be transformed into a linear program. • Our method for incentivising aligned behaviours works with up to 8 values. • The order of the values of a system drastically affects the value-aligned behaviour. This paper addresses the problem of ensuring that autonomous learning agents align with multiple moral values. Specifically, we present the theoretical principles and algorithmic tools necessary for creating an environment where we ensure that the agent learns a behaviour aligned with multiple moral values while striving to achieve its individual objective. To address this value alignment problem, we adopt the Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning framework and propose a novel algorithm that combines techniques from Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning and Linear Programming. In addition, we illustrate our value alignment process with an example involving an autonomous vehicle. Here, we demonstrate that the agent learns to behave in alignment with the ethical values of safety, achievement, and comfort, with achievement representing the agent’s individual objective. Such ethical behaviour differs depending on the ordering between values. We also use a synthetic multi-objective environment to evaluate the computational costs of guaranteeing ethical learning as the number of values increases.