Computational Logic and Human Thinking
How to Be Artificially Intelligent

Learn how computational logic, as developed in artificial intelligence, can be applied to everyday situations.

Robert Kowalski (Author)

9780521194822, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 July 2011

334 pages, 35 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.66 kg

'Artificial Intelligence (or AI) tries to program computers so that they can think intelligently like humans. In this book, one of the pioneers of AI suggests something new and original, namely to use the results of AI to improve human thinking … Anyone who wants to reason better and more effectively in everyday life should study Robert Kowalski's book.' Donald Gillies, University College London

The practical benefits of computational logic need not be limited to mathematics and computing. As this book shows, ordinary people in their everyday lives can profit from the recent advances that have been developed for artificial intelligence. The book draws upon related developments in various fields from philosophy to psychology and law. It pays special attention to the integration of logic with decision theory, and the use of logic to improve the clarity and coherence of communication in natural languages such as English. This book is essential reading for teachers and researchers who may be out of touch with the latest developments in computational logic. It will also be useful in any undergraduate course that teaches practical thinking, problem solving or communication skills. Its informal presentation makes the book accessible to readers from any background, but optional, more formal, chapters are also included for those who are more technically oriented.

Preface
Summary and plan of the book
1. Logic on the Underground
2. The psychology of logic
3. The fox and the crow
4. Search
5. Negation as failure
6. How to become a British citizen
7. The louse and the Mars explorer
8. Maintenance goals as the driving force of life
9. The meaning of life
10. Abduction
11. The prisoner's dilemma
12. Motivations matter
13. The changing world
14. Logic and objects
15. Biconditionals
16. Computational logic and the selection task
17. Meta-logic
Conclusions of the book
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Artificial intelligence [UYQ], Computer science [UY], Philosophy: logic [HPL]