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Backward Chaining

In backward chaining, if it is desired to prove the conclusion C of a clause, the system tries to do so by proving the premises P1 ... Pn.

∀ x CAR(x) ∧ RED(x) → EXPENSIVE(x)

Given this axiom, an attempt to prove that BMW1 is expensive would be reduced to the subproblems of proving that it is a car and that it is red.

Problems:

  1. Infinite loops. For example, consider transitivity:

    ∀ x ∀ y ∀ z GREATER(x,y) ∧ GREATER(y,z) → GREATER(x,z)

  2. The system has to keep reproving (and failing to prove) the same mundane facts.