Qualitative reasoning overtime: history and current prospects

Abstract

AbstractThis paper provides a historical summary of the motivations which have led several research communities to contemplate qualitative techniques. Qualitative reasoning satisfies various problem solving needs in high level decision tasks, embodied in a set of tools which allow deep knowledge to be put in compatible form with software requirements while still remaining realistic. An overview of these mathematical formalisms is presented; qualitative simulation is introduced as one of the most significant outcomes. Finally, some current research issues concerning temporal aspects of qualitative reasoning are discussed.