Bernhard Ganter Book order

This is the first textbook on attribute exploration, its theory, its algorithms forapplications, and some of its many possible generalizations. Attribute explorationis useful for acquiring structured knowledge through an interactive process, byasking queries to an expert. Generalizations that handle incomplete, faulty, orimprecise data are discussed, but the focus lies on knowledge extraction from areliable information source. The method is based on Formal Concept Analysis, a mathematical theory ofconcepts and concept hierarchies, and uses its expressive diagrams. The presentationis self-contained. It provides an introduction to Formal Concept Analysiswith emphasis on its ability to derive algebraic structures from qualitative data, which can be represented in meaningful and precise graphics.

Computer scientists create models of perceived reality to emulate cognitive behavior, such as reasoning and learning, which are central to AI research. These models arise from various acquisition and inference mechanisms, including perception, concept learning, conceptual clustering, hypothesis testing, and probabilistic inference. They are represented through different paradigms closely linked to their processes. Key paradigms include biological models (neural networks, genetic programming), logic-based models (first-order logic, modal logic, rule-based systems), virtual reality models (object and agent systems), probabilistic models (Bayesian networks, fuzzy logic), and linguistic models (conceptual dependency graphs, language-based representations). One of the strengths of Conceptual Graph (CG) theory is its versatility across these representation paradigms, making it a popular choice for numerous applications. Its integration with various cognitive processes fosters collaboration among research communities, such as Description Logic, Formal Concept Analysis, and Computational Linguistics. Increasingly, research outcomes from one community enhance the others, establishing a shared philosophical foundation for successful synergy.

This first textbook on formal concept analysis gives a systematic presentation of the mathematical foundations and their relations to applications in computer science, especially in data analysis and knowledge processing. Above all, it presents graphical methods for representing conceptual systems that have proved themselves in communicating knowledge. The mathematical foundations are treated thoroughly and are illuminated by means of numerous examples, making the basic theory readily accessible in compact form.