Three problems in logic‐based knowledge representation

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to give a non‐technical overview of some of the technical progress made recently on tackling three fundamental problems in the area of formal knowledge representation/artificial intelligence. These are the Frame Problem, the Ramification Problem, and the Qualification Problem. The article aims to describe the development of two logic‐based languages, the Event Calculus and Modular‐E, to address various aspects of these issues. The article also aims to set this work in the wider context of contemporary developments in applied logic, non‐monotonic reasoning and formal theories of common sense.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies symbolic logic to model aspects of human knowledge and reasoning.FindingsThe article finds that there are fundamental interdependencies between the three problems mentioned above. The conceptual framework shared by the Event Calculus and Modular‐E is appropriate for providing principled solutions to them.Originality/valueThis article provides an overview of an important approach to dealing with three fundamental issues in artificial intelligence.