The Use of a Semantic Network in a Deductive Question-Answering System

Abstract

The use of a semantic network to aid in the deductive search process of a Question-Answering System is described. The semantic network is based on an adaptation of the predicate calculus. It makes available user-supplied, domain-dependent info mat ion so as to permit semantic data to be used during the search process. Three ways are discussed in which semantic information may be used. These are: (a) To apply semantic information during the pattern-matching process. (b) To apply semantic well-formedness tests to query and data inputs. (c) To determine when subproblems are fullysolved (i.e., they have no solutions other than a fixed, finite number). An example is provided which illustrates the use of a semantic network to perform each of the above functions. 1.