knowledge

artificial intelligence, information science The objects,

concepts and relationships that are assumed to exist in some

area of interest. A collection of knowledge, represented

using some knowledge representation language is known as a

knowledge base and a program for extending and/or querying a

knowledge base is a knowledge-based system.

Knowledge differs from data or information in that new

knowledge may be created from existing knowledge using logical

inference. If information is data plus meaning then

knowledge is information plus processing.

A common form of knowledge, e.g. in a Prolog program, is a

collection of facts and rules about some subject.

For example, a knowledge base about a family might contain

the facts that John is David's son and Tom is John's son and

the rule that the son of someone's son is their grandson.

From this knowledge it could infer the new fact that Tom is

David's grandson.

See also Knowledge Level.

(1994-10-19)