ONT Re: Prospects for Inquiry Driven Systems

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PRO.  Note 47

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2.2.  Differential Geometry and Logic Programming

In this Subdivision we make a quick reconnaissance of the bordering areas
between logic and geometry, charting a beeline for selected trouble spots.
In the following Subdivisions we will return to more carefully survey the
grounds needed to address these problems and begin settling this frontier.

2.2.1.  Differences and Difficulties

Why have I chosen differential geometry and logic programming to try
bringing together?  A clue may be picked up in the quotation below.
When the foundations of that ingenious duplex, AI and cybernetics,
were being poured, one who took part in the ground-breaking
engraved these words in a cornerstone of the structure:

| The most fundamental concept in cybernetics is that of "difference",
| either that two things are recognisably different or that one thing
| has changed with time.  (Ashby, 1956, p. 9).

A deliberate continuity of method extends from this use of difference in
goal-seeking behavior to the baby steps of AI per se, namely, the use of
difference-reduction methods in the form of what is variously described
as means-ends analysis, goal regression, or general problem solving.

Jon Awbrey

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http://www.cs.bsu.edu/homepages/mighty/history.html
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