Three problems in logic-based, knowledge representation

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to give a non-technical overview of some of the technical progress made recently on tackling three fundamental problems in the area of formal knowledge representation/artificial intelligence. These are the Frame Problem, the Ramification Problem, and the Qualification Problem. The article aims to describe the development of two logic-based languages, the Event Calculus and Modular-E, to address various aspects of these issues. The article also aims to set this work in the wider context of contemporary developments in applied logic, non-monotonic reasoning and formal theories of common sense. Design/methodology/approach - The study applies symbolic logic to model aspects of human knowledge and reasoning. Findings - The article finds that there are fundamental interdependencies between the three problems mentioned above. The conceptual framework shared by the Event Calculus and Modular-E is appropriate for providing principled solutions to them. Originality/value - This article provides an overview of an important approach to dealing with three fundamental issues in artificial intelligence.