ABSTRACT
Explanatory models in science are often based on metaphors to everyday experience. This chapter deals with Blackboard Models, models of human thought based on a computer programming technique called production system programming. The programming method is used to create problem-solving programs intended to simulate human reasoning. The method is also used in Artificial Intelligence, where the goal is to create a powerful problem solver rather than to mimic the successes and failures of human problem solving. Although blackboard modeling is one of the most common methods of writing computer simulations of human thought, it is not the only one. A second technique, connectionist modeling, is discussed in chap. 4.
