In the present work, we develop a novel information-theoretic and logic-based approach to data bias in Machine Learning predictions and show its relevance in the specific context of fairness evaluation. We frame predictions made on biased data as Ulam games, which formalise key aspects of data-driven inference, and from which a variation of the rational non-monotonic consequence relation can be defined. We investigate this framework to model how differential levels of noise in input features impact Machine Learning predictions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first game-theoretic formalisation of ML unfairness.

Data speak but sometimes lie: A game-theoretic approach to data bias and algorithmic fairness / C. Manganini, E.A. Corsi, G. Primiero. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPROXIMATE REASONING. - ISSN 0888-613X. - 190:(2026 Mar), pp. 109608.1-109608.19. [10.1016/j.ijar.2025.109608]

Data speak but sometimes lie: A game-theoretic approach to data bias and algorithmic fairness

C. Manganini
Primo
;
E.A. Corsi
Secondo
;
G. Primiero
Ultimo
2026

Abstract

In the present work, we develop a novel information-theoretic and logic-based approach to data bias in Machine Learning predictions and show its relevance in the specific context of fairness evaluation. We frame predictions made on biased data as Ulam games, which formalise key aspects of data-driven inference, and from which a variation of the rational non-monotonic consequence relation can be defined. We investigate this framework to model how differential levels of noise in input features impact Machine Learning predictions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first game-theoretic formalisation of ML unfairness.
Machine learning; Bias; Data quality; Data-driven inference; Non-monotonic logic;
Settore PHIL-02/A - Logica e filosofia della scienza
   Simulation of Probabilistic Systems for the Age of the Digital Twin
   MINISTERO DELL'UNIVERSITA' E DELLA RICERCA
   20223E8Y4X_001

   Logics for Scientific Inferences (LOGSI)
   LOGSI
   FONDAZIONE CARIPLO
   2023-0978
mar-2026
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1205667
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