Forward Chaining

In forward chaining, if the premises P1 ... Pn are known, the conclusion C is asserted. For example, if we have the axiom:

&forall x MAN(x) &rarr MORTAL(x)

and the fact MAN(Socrates) is added to the database of facts, the fact MORTAL(Socrates) will also be added.

Problems:

  1. Infinite loops. For example, consider:

    &forall x NUMBER(x) &rarr NUMBER(x+1)

    NUMBER(0)

  2. The forward assertions tend to fill up memory with uninteresting facts.

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