Numerical taxonomy: a missing link for case-based reasoning and autonomous agents.
Numerical taxonomy, which uses numerical methods to classify and relate items whose properties are non-numerical, is suggested as both an advantageous tool to support case-based reasoning and a means for agents to exploit knowledge that is best expressed in cases. The basic features of numerical taxonomy are explained, and discussed in application to a problem where human agents with differing views obtain solutions by negotiation and by reference to knowledge that is essentially case-like: allocation...