Distribution and mobilization of knowledge

Abstract

Most current Knowledge Base Systems make two very important assumptions. First, that knowledge can be integrated into one all encompassing base. Second, that the rules and facts of such knowledge can be explicitly stated by a few experts. There are many situations, however, where knowledge is fragmented. It cannot be reconciled or integrated. Different facts and rules are associated with different systems and persons. There is the need, however, to mobilize it in order to solve problems in a cooperative manner. No person or system has complete knowledge but all of them can negotiate to reach a concensus. Tools for knowledge acquisition dissemination and manipulation in a distributed environment are important vehicles for such knowledge mobilization. They provide a means for negotiation and cooperation among the users. They can also serve as users' agents to represent them in complex situations. The result is automation of procedures which are not repetitive but rather goal oriented. In this talk we will present a set of tools based on an object-oriented environment. Objects can be described which can cooperate and negotiate between themselves and between the users. As an example application we will outline "messengers" which carry not only message contents but rules about their interaction and behaviour. Messengers can deliver or seek information, they can enter into a dialog with the users and they can negotiate. They can use many distributed name servers to "find" users whose electronic address is not clearly specified. Finally, they can augment their rules by "learning" through apprentiship from other objects. Such messengers are not only important as a sophisticated user communication tool but they can also be used as a means for network management.