Abstract
This chapter discusses the role of the knowledge engineer (KE) as thaumaturgist. The successful development of an expert system has as much to do with human ego as machine intelligence; as much to do with political intrigue as technological innovation; as much to do with base instinct as noble intellect or soaring creativity. Technical problems can make projects difficult. However, it is the human, rather than the technical side of developing expert systems that most often leads to their failure or underachievement. A KE trying to implement a commercial expert system ignores the odd complexities of human nature at his peril. An expert system cannot be built against the will of anyone on the development team. An expert system cannot be foisted on unwilling participants in a project. Consensus building is crucial. Stealth, guile, and subterfuge are no substitute, because ninja knowledge engineering does not work. Construction of an expert system has to be a cooperative enterprise.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
