SHAFFER%SCOVCB.DECnet@GE-CRD.ARPA (10/28/86)
I am somewhat new to AI and I am confused about the definition of "non-monotonic" reasoning, as in the documentation in Inference's ART system. It say that features allow for non-monotonic reasoning, but does not say what that type of reasoning is, or how it differs from monotonic reasoning, if there is such a thing. Earl Shaffer GE - VFSC Po box 8555 Phila , Pa 19101 [Monotonic reasoning is a process of logical inference using only true axioms or statements. Nonmonotonic reasoning uses statements believed to be true, but which may later prove to be false. It is therefore necessary to keep track of all chains of support for each conclusion so that the conclusion can be revoked if its basis statements are revoked. Other names for nonmonotonic reasoning are default reasoning and truth maintenance. -- KIL]