ABSTRACT

In the area of machine learning, which is a very prominent research topic in the field of artificial intelligence, numerous computer programs have been developed that are capable of learning. Especially within the last 15 years, much progress has been made and powerful computational models of learning have been developed. In his influential paper, Newell introduced a level of computer system description called the knowledge level. Describing artificial and human systems as a knowledge system has become an important goal in expert system research as well as in cognitive psychology. KADS is a methodology for developing knowledge-based systems. The KADS methodology has matured during more than ten years of research that included several ESPRIT projects (e.g., COMMON-KADS and ESPRIT P5248). ESPRIT is a European Specific Programme for Research in Information Technology. KADS inference structures thus provide with a means of describing learning systems independent of the specific application domain.