Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces this book on case-based reasoning (CBR); it is hence recommended to all readers. No previous knowledge about CBR is needed; only an interest in learning about it. It e positions case-based reasoning (CBR) in its scientific, educational, and applied contexts; it is therefore crucial for anyone interested in learning or teaching CBR. It provides a very intuitive notion of the CBR reasoning paradigm that can be understood by readers with any previous background. The chapter presents some main historical facts, including books, events, and applications delineating the trajectory of CBR as a field of study. This chapter introduces the book by explaining who its intended readers are. For different categories of readers, it provides a diagram with different paths of chapters that will better serve those different audiences. The two last parts describe the book’s contents and the structure adopted in all chapters. The contents are presented via a description about each of the parts and a brief summary of each chapter. The description of the structure explains the role of the sections of the book such as Tools and Background Information.