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Slides available [2006-12-28] |
The presentation slides of (most of) the talks are available as pdf files.
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In expert systems research, considerable results were produced, but
research activity decreased together with the general decline of expert
systems research in the nineties of the last century. The major
problems with respect to classical expert systems seemed to be solved.
Research on explanation is of interest today because the whole scenario
of research on knowledge-based systems has changed: knowledge-based
systems are no longer considered as boxes that provide a full solution
to a problem. Problem solving is seen as an interactive process, a
socio-technical process. Problem descriptions can be incomplete and
changing. As a consequence, there has to be communication between human
and software systems. Communication requires mutual understanding that
can be essentially supported by explanations. Such explanations can
improve the problem solving process to a large degree.
A major role in interactive systems is played by knowledge management
that also is intended to increase the knowledge of the user. Therefore,
explanations should be integrated in knowledge management activities
and, in particular, related to ontologies.
Procedural programs play an essential role in many stand alone as well
as in interactive computer systems. Many such systems are optimization
programs dealing with subjective goals of different participants. This
asks for explaining procedural programs as well.
An important issue is the acceptance of the results of the systems
which is closely related to the trust in its results. Belief in a
system can be increased not only by the quality of its output but, more
importantly, by evidence of how (and why) it was derived. This adds a
psychological component to the scenario, and one can also rely on
results obtained in philosophy.
In order to fulfill these aspects, advanced models, methods, and tools
are needed that provide mechanisms and techniques for structured
management of explanation relevant information, effective ways for
retrieving it, and the possibility to integrate explanation and
application knowledge. Beyond technical aspects, it becomes important
to understand explanations from social and philosophical perspectives
on software systems.
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