simont@praxis.co.uk (Simon Tait) (04/18/91)
ELLIS HORWOOD SERIES IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOUNDATIONS
AND CONCEPTS
Series Editor: Dr Ajit Narayanan, Department of Computer
Science, University of Exeter.
TOWARDS A THEORY OF COGNITION AND COMPUTING
J GERARD WOLFF, School of Electronic Engineering Science,
University of Wales, Bangor. E-mail: gerry@sees.bangor.ac.uk.
This important book describes an innovative theory of knowledge
developed by the author which promises new insights in cognition and
computing. The book, which is relevant to several different fields,
comprises a selection of previously published articles by
Dr Gerry Wolff together with new chapters.
The SP theory grew out of attempts to understand how a child learns
his or her first language. A computer model which is based on the
theory and which is described in the book provides explanations
for many observations of children learning to talk.
The concept of 'efficiency' in the use of information - which has a
precise definition in the theory - provides a bridge between language
learning and computing. Possible applications of the theory in
computing include:
- logic and logical deduction
- probabilistic inference
- automatic inductive learning
- natural language processing
- pattern recognition
- automatic planning
- information storage and retrieval
- formal specification of software
- object-oriented design
- configuration management
- project management.
A new kind of computing system with a simple but powerful computer language
is being developed by the author, based on the theory. A prototype of
the system is described in the book with examples of the kinds of things
it can do. The expected benefits of a mature SP system - in knowledge
management, software engineering and artificial intelligence - are also
described.
CONTENTS: Introduction; Learning a first language; The SNPR model; The
SP theory; A prototype of the SP system; The expected benefits of a
mature SP system; The SP language in project management.
READERSHIP: researchers, students and others with an interest in one or
more of cognitive science, computing, software engineering, artificial
intelligence, cognitive psychology, theoretical linguistics, philosophy.
PUBLISHERS: Ellis Horwood (Chichester) - Simon & Schuster International
Group.
PUBLICATION DATE: February 1991.
ORDERING: Through any bookseller. ISBN 0-13-925025-5. In case of
difficulty order from: International Book Distributors, 66 Wood Lane
End, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 4RG, UK. Tel: +44 442 231555.
Fax: +44 442 255618.