default reasoning

Default reasoning is a way computers or people fill in gaps of knowledge by making reasonable assumptions based on typical cases. For example, if most birds can fly, we assume a new, unknown bird can fly unless there’s evidence otherwise. It helps us make decisions efficiently when information is incomplete. However, it also means we might need to revise our conclusions if new facts emerge that contradict our assumptions. This approach balances practicality with flexibility, allowing for smooth judgments in everyday reasoning and artificial intelligence systems.