Summary: DOI 10.1007/s10462-005-4607-7
Artificial Intelligence Review (2005) 24: 109­143 © Springer 2005
Explanation in Case-Based Reasoning­Perspectives and Goals
FRODE SØRMO, J ¨ORG CASSENS & AGNAR AAMODT
Department of Computer and Information Science (IDI), Norwegian University of
Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
(E-mails: { frode.sormo, jorg.cassens, agnar.aamodt}@idi.ntnu.no)
Abstract. We present an overview of different theories of explanation from the phi-
losophy and cognitive science communities. Based on these theories, as well as models
of explanation from the knowledge-based systems area, we present a framework for
explanation in case-based reasoning (CBR) based on explanation goals. We propose
ways that the goals of the user and system designer should be taken into account when
deciding what is a good explanation for a given CBR system. Some general types of
goals relevant to many CBR systems are identified, and used to survey existing meth-
ods of explanation in CBR. Finally, we identify some future challenges.
Keywords: case-based reasoning, explanation
1. Introduction
The term explanation can be interpreted in two different ways in AI
(Aamodt, 1991, p. 59). One interpretation deals with explanation as
part of the reasoning process itself, for example used in the search

Source: Aamodt, Agnar - Department of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Collections: Computer Technologies and Information Sciences