BRManifesto FAQ: Article 6 - Rule-Based Architecture, Not Indirect Implementation
FAQ re: Principle 6.3
Question: What kind of "action" is meant by Manifesto principle 6.3?
A business rule system must always be able to explain the reasoning by which it arrives at conclusions or takes action.
Actions that can be taken directly by a business rule system on the basis of rules include assertion of derived facts and response to breaches.
FAQ re: Principle 6.3
Question: How is a business rule system "able to explain [its] reasoning" as prescribed by Manifesto principle 6.3?
A business rule system must always be able to explain the reasoning by which it arrives at conclusions or takes action.
It can 'explain' its reasoning simply by revealing (logging) the particular rules used to arrive at each conclusion or to take any action.
FAQ re: Principle 6.4
Question: What does Manifesto mean by "truth values" in principle 6.4?
Rules are based on truth values. How a rule's truth value is determined or maintained is hidden from users.
The Manifesto means true/false. The implication is that 'under the covers' rule technology should be based on formal logic.
FAQ re: Principle 6.5
Question: What does Manifesto mean by "event" in principle 6.5?
The relationship between events and rules is generally many-to-many.
By "event" the Manifesto simply means "something that happens" in business activity.
FAQ re: Principle 6.5
Question: Why is principle 6.5 of the Manifesto explicit about the relationship between events and rules being generally many-to-many?
The relationship between events and rules is generally many-to-many.
A rule harvested from a procedural artifact (e.g., a process, a procedure, a use case, procedural program, etc.) is often based on, oriented toward, or managed around a specific event. The possible wider applicability of the rule is often overlooked, leading to serious inconsistencies or omissions. A rule expressed declaratively in contrast puts no unnatural restrictions on the rule's applicability.
References:
[1] The Manifesto is free, only 2 pages long, translated into 15 languages. Have a quick look (or re-look!). No sign up required. Well worth your time.
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