The Logic Theory Machine

A Complex Information Processing System

Allen Newell, Herbert Alexander Simon

Expert InsightsPublished 1956

In this paper, RAND researchers describe a complex information-processing system — the logic theory machine — capable of discovering proofs for theorems in symbolic logic. In contrast to the systematic algorithms ordinarily employed in computation, this system relies heavily on heuristic methods similar to those that have been observed in human problem-solving activity. The specification is written in a formal language, of the nature of a pseudo-code, that is suitable for coding for digital computers. However, the authors are concerned with specification of the system rather than its realization in a computer. The logic theory machine is part of a program of research to understand complex information-processing systems by specifying and synthesizing a substantial variety of such systems for empirical study.

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Newell, Allen and Herbert Alexander Simon, The Logic Theory Machine: A Complex Information Processing System. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1956. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P868.html.
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