Explanation-Based Neural Network Learning: A Lifelong Learning Approach

Lifelong learning addresses situations in which a learner faces a series of different learning tasks providing the opportunity for synergy among them. Explanation-based neural network learning (EBNN) is a machine-learning algorithm that transfers knowledge across multiple learning tasks. When faced with a new learning task, EBNN exploits domain knowledge accumulated in previous learning tasks to guide generalization in the new one. As a result, EBNN generalizes more accurately from less data than comparable methods. This book describes the basic EBNN paradigm and investigates it in the context of supervised learning, reinforcement learning, robotics and chess.