As with Artificial Intelligence in general, case-based reasoning deals with
two different aspects of intelligence: A first motivation is to establish cognitive
models in order to understand human thinking and behavior. A second
motivation is to build systems which help to solve real-world problems. These
two facets can be considered as two sides of the same coin. Traditionally, CBR
research in Europe has concentrated very much on the second aspect, though,
of course, successful projects are not possible without a sound theory.
The objective of this book is to summarize the results of recent years of
research in CBR. A strong emphasis is put on projects performed and applications
developed in Germany. However, research has not been performed
in isolation. Rather, a large number of cooperations between research sites
throughout the world have been established which provided a fertile ground
for the community. Hence, it is only natural that work from colleagues from
France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United States has been included in
this volume.