[sci.logic] Book News; Towards a Theory of Cognition and Computing

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.