Nonmonotonic Reasoning in Design

Abstract

This paper contends that structural design is a dynamic process whose best example can be found in the active, conjectural, or even vacillating reasoning involved. Nonmonotonic reasoning permeates the design process and underpins the evolution of design states, in that new beliefs may change existing beliefs and refute inferences drawn. Neglect of nonmonotonicity has contributed to the failure of classical attempts at design modeling. To reinforce these arguments, instances of nonmonotonic reasoning in conceptual design are identified; the