AI Seminar
November 25, 2002

Nemecio Chavez

Case-Based Reasoning: Reasoning by Experience

Abstract:
Case-based reasoning (CBR) uses specific experiences to help
reason about new situations. These experiences may be used
directly, adapted to fit the current situation, or can be built
into another case which we might refer to as a plan. Consider
the following discourse where Tony is internally planning a
family Vacation:

    Maybe we should drive? But the last time we drove
    somewhere Sam was sick the whole way.

    Alright, maybe we should fly then? Sarah really enjoyed
    the flight to our vacation spot last summer, and I don't
    recall that Sam had any trouble with it.

Using previous experience Tony is able to figure out what method
of transportation they should use. At first he has tentatively
decided to drive, but quickly recalls that the last time they
drove someone was sick. Thus, he considers flying instead and
ultimately decides on it because he recalls a good experience
from the last time they flew.

In this seminar we will cover the fundamental issues involved
in CBR and its future directions as well.