In realistic decision making situations, it is not enough simply to make the decision. The agent must also provide a justification of the decision, especially in circumstances in which there may be adverse consequences of the decision. VOTE's decision strategies are tied to specific explanations. We note that multiple decision strategies are required since the explanation of the decision depends on the strategy employed. It is not enough to use one simple strategy of summing the weights of the conflicting issues and relationships.
VOTE is fairly large.
It comprises over 10,000 lines of code and 9,000 lines of data, which are represented using an object-oriented database. The purpose of VOTE is not to predict individual voting decisions, but rather to demonstrate the computational feasibility of a particular model of interpersonal relationships and decision making. In an effort to extend the VOTE model, we have begun to change domains from politics to business. Decisions in both domains involve an abundance of goals, limited resources, goal adoption through interpersonal relationships, past cases and experience, and the need to explain decisions. A sample decision problem for the new program would be deciding what PC to purchase, and providing a justification for the choice.