On theoretical backgrounds of CAD

Abstract. In the past, some information technologies (IT) have quickly been adopted by the engineering practice while the implementation of others has been slower. In the paper, the author looks for a solid theoretical background that could be used to explain this difference and warn about possible obstacles in applying some technologies to civil and structural engineering. The prevailing theoretical background for the contemporary development in computer aided design is the rationalistic philosophical tradition, which claims that intelligent human behavior is based on mental manipulation of symbolic representations of the real world; that problem solving is a search in a space of potential solutions and that communication is exchange of information. This tradition has been challenged by a theory referred to as "hermeneutic constructivism", that claims that the rationalistic premises are wrong and suggests an alternative philosophical background for the use of computers. The ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1998
• Where: SEAAI
• Authors: Ziga Turk
• Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Rationalistic Philosophical Tradition, SEAAI 1998, Solid Theoretical Background, Theoretical Background