An Agent Architecture That Combines Backward and Forward Reasoning

. We present a proof procedure that combines backward reasoning with logic programs and forward reasoning with integrity constraints. We illustrate the use of the proof procedure as the inference engine underlying agents. Roughly speaking, the backward reasoning component of the proof procedure is responsible for the deliberative behaviour of agents, whereas the forward reasoning component is responsible for their reactive behaviour. 1 Introduction Recent years have seen a shift in the treatment of agents in artificial intelligence. In conventional approaches, intelligent agents reason and plan within a closed environment, producing a complete plan before they start executing it. In more recent, and arguably more realistic approaches, intelligent agents reason and plan while reacting to and interacting with the external environment (e.g., see [15]). The agent architecture of [6--8] combines rational, deliberative behaviour and reactivity to the external environment. At the heart of th..