RUSSELL@SUMEX-AIM.ARPA (Stuart Russell) (05/27/86)
PhD Orals Announcement
Analogical and Inductive Reasoning
Stuart J. Russell
Department of Computer Science
Stanford University
Tuesday June 3rd 9.15 a.m.
Building 370 Room 370
I show the need for the application of domain knowledge in analogical
reasoning, and propose that this knowledge must take the form of a new
class of rule called a "determination". By giving determinations a
first-order definition, they can be used to make valid analogical
inferences; I have thus been able to implement determination-based
analogical reasoning as part of the MRS logic programming system.
In such a system, analogical reasoning can be more efficient than
rule-based reasoning for some tasks. Determinations appear to be a
common form of regularity in the world, and form a natural stage in
the acquisition of knowledge. My approach to the study of analogy
can be extended to the general problem of the use of knowledge in
induction, leading to the beginning of a domain-independent theory of
inductive reasoning. If time permits, I will also show how the concept
of determinations leads to a justification and quantitative analysis
of analogy by similarity.
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