ABSTRACT
In its attempt to define an intelligent machine, this chapter indicates characteristics and capabilities of a machine that are considered intelligent. Common techniques and approaches that will be useful in the development of an intelligent machine are introduced and will form a common foundation for the remaining chapters of the book. It is the knowledge system that enables a machine to display intelligent characteristics. Representation and processing of knowledge are central functions of a knowledge system. Associated techniques are outlined. Conventional machine intelligence has relied heavily on symbolic manipulation for processing descriptive information and “knowledge” in realizing some degree of intelligent behavior. Approximation is a “soft” concept, and the capability to approximate for the pur poses of comparison, pattern recognition, reasoning, and decision making is a manifestation of intelligence.
