Scribd
Upload
18 views3 pages

Reasoning in AI

AI reasoning involves using logic and rules for deductions and decisions, with key techniques including resolution, quantification, unification, and non-monotonic reasoning. Resolution aids in automated theorem proving, quantification expresses variable scope, unification matches logical expressions, and non-monotonic reasoning allows for adjustments based on new information. These techniques are essential for AI applications that require logical reasoning and problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Uploaded by

kuriaaustine125
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
18 views3 pages

Reasoning in AI

AI reasoning involves using logic and rules for deductions and decisions, with key techniques including resolution, quantification, unification, and non-monotonic reasoning. Resolution aids in automated theorem proving, quantification expresses variable scope, unification matches logical expressions, and non-monotonic reasoning allows for adjustments based on new information. These techniques are essential for AI applications that require logical reasoning and problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Uploaded by

kuriaaustine125
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Reasoning in AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) reasoning refers to the process of using logic and rules to make
deductions, inferences, or decisions. AI systems aim to replicate human-like reasoning, and
various techniques are employed to represent knowledge and solve problems. Key elements of
reasoning in AI include resolution, quantification, unification, and non-monotonic reasoning.

1. Resolution

 Definition: Resolution is a rule of inference used for automated theorem proving in


propositional and first-order logic. It is widely used in logic programming and AI
applications for solving problems involving logical deduction.
 Process:

conjunction of disjunctions (e.g., (A ∨ B) ∧ (¬B ∨ C)).


o Involves converting statements to Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF), which is a

o The resolution rule allows for eliminating variables by deriving a contradiction or

o Example: Given the statements "A ∨ B" and "¬A," the resolution of these two
proving a statement.

leads to "B."
 Applications: Used in automated theorem proving, natural language processing (NLP),
and knowledge-based systems.

2. Quantification

 Definition: Quantification involves expressing the scope of variables in logical


expressions using quantifiers. It is crucial for reasoning about objects and relationships in
AI systems, especially in first-order logic.
 Types:

domain (e.g., ∀x P(x), meaning "P(x) is true for all x").


o Universal Quantification (∀): Asserts that a predicate applies to all elements in a

domain for which the predicate is true (e.g., ∃x P(x), meaning "there exists at
o Existential Quantification (∃): States that there exists at least one element in the

least one x such that P(x) is true").

o Universal Quantifier: ∀x (Human(x) → Mortal(x)) meaning "All humans are


 Example:

o Existential Quantifier: ∃x (Dog(x) ∧ Brown(x)) meaning "There is at least one


mortal."

brown dog."
 Applications: Used in logical reasoning, natural language understanding, and AI systems
involving ontologies or knowledge bases.

3. Unification

 Definition: Unification is a process of determining a substitution that makes two logical


expressions identical. It is a fundamental concept in logic programming and automated
reasoning, especially in Prolog.
 Process:
o Involves finding a substitution (or set of substitutions) for variables in expressions
such that the expressions become identical.
o Example: Unifying the expressions P(x, y) and P(a, z) yields the substitution
{x/a, y/z}.
 Algorithm:
o The most common algorithm for unification is Robinson’s Unification
Algorithm, which systematically applies substitutions to unify expressions.
 Applications: Unification is used in Prolog programming, natural language processing
(for parsing), automated theorem proving, and symbolic AI systems.

4. Non-monotonic Reasoning

 Definition: Non-monotonic reasoning is reasoning where the introduction of new


information can invalidate previous inferences. It contrasts with traditional (monotonic)
logic systems where inferences once made cannot be retracted.
 Characteristics:
o Non-monotonic reasoning models more realistic decision-making where new
evidence can change conclusions.
o It is important in AI because real-world knowledge is often incomplete, and
assumptions made based on partial knowledge may later turn out to be false.
 Types:
o Default Reasoning: Reasoning based on typical situations unless contrary
evidence is presented (e.g., assuming birds can fly unless it's proven that a bird is
a penguin).
o Circumscription: A formal method that restricts possible worlds or models to the
smallest or most specific ones that satisfy the knowledge base.
o Autoepistemic Logic: Deals with reasoning about one’s own knowledge and
belief.
 Example:
o In non-monotonic reasoning, you may initially assume "all swans are white."
When you learn about black swans, you revise the assumption and adjust your
reasoning.
 Applications: Used in expert systems, legal reasoning, and AI applications where dealing
with incomplete or evolving information is necessary.

Summary:

 Resolution provides a systematic approach to proving theorems in AI through logical


deduction.
 Quantification introduces scope to logical variables, enabling AI systems to reason
about universality and existence.
 Unification allows for the matching of logical patterns, which is essential for logic
programming and inference.
 Non-monotonic Reasoning reflects real-world reasoning, allowing AI systems to adjust
conclusions based on new or changing information.
These techniques are foundational for AI applications that involve logical reasoning, decision-
making, and problem-solving in uncertain or evolving environments.

You might also like