On generality and problem solving: a case study using the DENDRAL program

  • Authors:
  • Edward A. Feigenbaum;Bruce G. Buchanan;Joshua Lederberg

  • Affiliations:
  • -;-;-

  • Venue:
  • On generality and problem solving: a case study using the DENDRAL program
  • Year:
  • 1970

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Abstract

Heuristic DENDRAL is a computer program written to solve problems of inductive inference in organic chemistry. This paper will use the design of Heuristic DENDRAL and its performance on different problems for a discussion of the following topics: 1. the design for generality; 2. the performance problems attendant upon too much generality; 3. the coupling of expertise to the general problem solving processes; 4. the symbiotic relationship between generality and expertness, and the implications of this symbiosis for the study and design of problem solving systems. We conclude the paper with a view of the design for a general problem solver that is a variant of the "big switch" theory of generality.