Conclusion

Abstract

In this book we have presented parsimonious covering theory as a formal model for diagnostic problem-solving. The basic model (Chapter 3) of this theory and its various extensions (Chapters 4 to 7) capture important abductive features of the diagnostic inference process in a mathematically rigorous fashion. To conclude this book, we first summarize what was accomplished in developing this theory in Section 8.1. Viewing diagnostic problem-solving as a special type of general abductive inference, parsimonious covering theory can be considered as a first step toward formalization of abduction, and thus may find applications for some non- diagnostic problems. The potential generality of this theory is discussed in Section 8.2, along with some of its non-diagnostic applications. Finally, in Section 8.3, we outline some limitations and potential extensions to the current form of this formal model.

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

Cheshire Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”

Lewis Carroll