An Experimental Comparison of Diagrammatic and Algebraic Logics

Abstract. We have developed a diagrammatic logic for theorem proving, focusing on the domain of metric-space analysis (a geometric domain, but traditionally taught using a dry algebraic formalism). To evaluate its pragmatic value, pilot experiments were conducted using this logic implemented in an interactive theorem prover - to teach undergraduate students (and comparing performance against an equivalent algebraic logic). Our results show significantly better performance for students using diagrammatic reasoning. We conclude that diagrams are a useful tool for reasoning in such domains.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: DIAGRAMS
• Authors: Daniel Winterstein, Alan Bundy, Corin A. Gurr, Mateja Jamnik
• Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Diagrammatic Logic, DIAGRAMS 2004, Dry Algebraic Formalism, Equivalent Algebraic Logic