Case-Based Reasoning in a Rule-Governed Domain
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the problem of reasoning with cases in a domain governed by rules, in particular, the problems of interpreting the meaning of terms (statutory predicates) used in the rules and combining case-based reasoning (CBR) with other Modes of reasoning, such as rule-based (RBR) and model-based reasoning. Terms used in statutes are typically underdefined in the statute and inherently open-textured and thus require precedent-based reasoning to interpret their meaning for particular fact situations. In such domains one needs to combine reasoning about the rules (statutes) with the precedents that concern them. We describe our precedent-based case-based reasoner TAX-HYPO that operates in the statutory domain of tax law. TAX-HYPO is a derivative system of our earlier CBR system HYPO which operated in the common law domain of trade secret law. We describe our system (CABARET which is an environment to support (1) building precedent-based CBR systems like IIYPO and TAX-HYPO; and (2) experimentation with mixed paradigm systems involving CBR. In particular, we discuss some of the heuristics we use to control and combine reasoning with cases and rules.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA249333
Entities
People
- David B. Skalak
- Edwina L. Rissland
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst