Two models for retrieval system design

Donald J. Hillman

American Documentation, 1964, vol. 15, issue 3, 217-225

Abstract: The dispute concerning the appropriateness of Boolean Algebra as a model for retrieval system design is examined and attention brought to bear upon a set of residual problems affecting the choice of formalism. It is argued that this set of problems insinuates irrelevant considerations into the critical discussion and leads to unnecessary delay in rejecting the Boolean model in favor of more realistic theories. In support of this contention, an argument is examined which purports to distinguish between two interpretations of Boolean Algebra in such a way as to elevate one of them (the class calculus) to the status of a genuine model, while denying the same status to the other (the propositional calculus). This argument is criticized as being unsound and irrelevant. It is held that the elimination of such artificial controversies is a useful prolegemenon for the construction of better theories.

Date: 1964
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