Knowledge encapsulation: What is the name of a computer program that contains the distilled expertise of a human specialist for problem solving?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Expert system

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Expert systems encode the rules, heuristics, and domain facts used by specialists to make decisions. The question probes whether you can identify the proper term for software that delivers expert-level advice in a narrow domain.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Program captures domain knowledge (rules and facts).
  • Provides recommendations, diagnoses, or classifications.
  • Often includes an inference engine and knowledge base.


Concept / Approach:
An expert system is a classic AI application that emulates decision-making of human experts. It differs from general AI, from databases (which store but do not infer), and from MIS (which summarizes operations).



Step-by-Step Solution:

Recognize key phrase ‘‘distilled knowledge of an expert.’’Map to architecture: knowledge base + inference engine.Select ‘‘Expert system’’ as the precise label.


Verification / Alternative check:
Examples like MYCIN (medical) and XCON (configuration) confirm the definition and scope.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • DBMS stores data; it doesn’t reason.
  • MIS produces periodic reports; not a reasoning engine.
  • Artificial intelligence is an umbrella term; too broad for the described artifact.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any smart program is an expert system; the distinguishing feature is explicit domain knowledge and rule-based inference.



Final Answer:
Expert system

More Questions from Artificial Intelligence

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion