Temporal Projection and Explanation

Abstract

Abstract We propose a solution to problems involving temporal projection and explanation (e.g., the Yale shooting problem) based on the idea that whether a situation is abnormal should not depend upon historical information about how the situation arose. We apply these ideas both to the Yale shooting scenario and to a blocks world domain that needs to address the qualification problem. 1 Introduction The paper [1987] by Hanks and McDermott describing the Yale shooting problem has generated such a flurry of responses that it is difficult to imagine what another one can contribute. The points raised by Hanks and McDermott, both formal and philosophical, have been discussed at substantial length elsewhere.