THE ESSENCE OF PROBLEM-SOLVING METHODS - MAKING ASSUMPTIONS TO GAIN EFFICIENCY

In this paper, we present the following view on problem-solving method s for knowledge-based systems: problem-solving methods describe an eff icient reasoning strategy for achieving a goal by introducing assumpti ons about the available domain knowledge and the required functionalit y. Assumptions, dynamic reasoning behaviour and functionality are the three elements necessary to characterize a problem-solving method. In this paper, we elaborate this argument and introduce a framework for c haracterizing and developing such efficient problem solvers. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.