A. Newell, The Knowledge Level. Artificial Intelligence, 18 (1), 1982.

Author of the summary: J. William Murdock, 1997, murdock@cc.gatech.edu

Cite this paper for:

• It is essential to distinguish between the content of information (``knowledge'') and the form and access mechanisms associated with that information (``representation'').

Keywords: Knowledge, Representation

Systems: None

Summary: Introduces the concept of levels of analysis for a computer
system.  Suggests that their is a higher level than is normally
addressed by computer scientists and calls that level the knowledge
level.  Asserts that this level is distinct from the symbol level in
which representation (e.g.  logic lies).  Defines the knowledge level
as embodying all the knowledge known or inferable from a given set of
information.  Discusses the concept of rationality, that knowledge of
goals and actions leads to rational behavior.  Argues that this view
both derives from and contributes to practice in AI.
  

Summary author's notes:

• This summary came from a file which had the following disclaimer: "The following summaries are the completely unedited and often hastily composed interpretations of a single individual without any sort of systematic or considered review. As such it is very likely that at least some of the following text is incomplete, inadequate, misleading, or simply wrong. One might view this as a very preliminary draft of a survey paper that will probably never be completed. The author disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy or use of this document; this is not an official publication of the Georgia Institute of Technology or the College of Computing thereof, and the opinions expressed here may not even fully match the fully considered opinions of the author much less the general opinions of the aformentioned organizations."