12 Mar classification

In learning we generalize, that is, associate new things with known things. Generalization and its correlate, specification, form the essence of the process of classification: “placing all things in an understandable context”. Classification creates hierarchies or taxonomies. This illustration shows a hierarchy.

If the class is “animals,” for example, the tier of circles underneath animals might be dogs and cats. The next level down might be another subclass, such as breeds of dogs and cats, and or it may be specific instances, such as Fido the mutt and Fluffy the longhaired cat.

learning association  generalization