The pragmatic and the academic view on expert systems

摘要

This paper provides a subjective view on expert systems as a practical solution to practical problems. A polemic distinction is made between an academic view, which puts form over function, and a pragmatic view, which puts function over form. This is followed by the description of the development of a specific expert system, ESKORT, which exemplifies the hybrid solution that often is a consequence of the pragmatic view. Finally, the need for a reconciliation between the two views is discussed, and a distinctive classification of expert system applications and users is offered.