Understanding beliefs /

Nilsson (Kumagai Professor of Engineering, Emeritus, computer science, Stanford Univ.; The Quest for Artificial Intelligence) is well regarded in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). As such, one would expect probing insights into the philosophy of mind. Nilsson argues that beliefs are propositions that are maintained with a given amount of certainty, that propositions are statements, that statements are contained in the brain, that knowledge is simply a body of beliefs that is very strongly held, and that beliefs are guides for action and forming new ideas. As a consequence, beliefs are part of the natural world and so can be held by nonhuman entities e.g., computers. Although the author proceeds in a logical fashion, he often undercuts his case by either ignoring or poorly representing counterarguments. His treatment of propositions, mental language, scientific realism and antirealism, and abductive reasoning are simply too general to be convincing. Nilsson also enlists authorities in support in an ad hoc fashion, at times citing individuals whose larger position runs counter to his, which distracts from his fascinating discussion regarding belief and AI. VERDICT The relationship between belief, knowledge, truth, and action is a long-standing puzzle. Nilsson leaves that puzzle untouched. James Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Libs., NC (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.