[mod.ai] Seminar - Discovery of Algorithms from Weak Methods

FAWCETT@RED.RUTGERS.EDU (Tom Fawcett) (07/02/86)

                            DISCOVERY OF ALGORITHMS
                               FROM WEAK METHODS

                              Armand E. Prieditis


       Weak problem-solving methods  (e.g.  means-ends  analysis,  breadth-
    first search, best-first search) all involve a search for some sequence
    of operators that will lead from an initial  state  to  a  goal  state.
    This  paper  shows  how  it is possible to learn operators whose bodies
    contain  algorithmic  control  constructs   (e.g.   loops,   sequences,
    conditionals)  such  that  the  control  construct  itself  applies the
    sequence needed to lead from the initial state to a goal state  without
    a  search  for the sequence.  By using explanation-based generalization
     [EBG]  and  an  explicit  theory  of  algorithms,  the  method  learns
    operators  (whose  bodies  contain algorithmic control constructs) that
    represent logically valid generalizations of the solution sequence.

Where: Hill Center, Room 423
When: Tuesday, July 15th
Speaker's EMail address:  PRIEDITIS@RED.RUTGERS.EDU