Final answer:
Expert systems are a form of artificial intelligence that uses a knowledge base of facts and rules to provide assistance, relying on complex human software interactions and decision-making processes. These systems apply tested data in a systemic way, similar to mathematical reasoning, and are a part of both strong and weak AI as categorized by computer science professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Expert systems, also known as knowledge based systems, are a type of artificial intelligence that uses a database to provide assistance to users. This database, known as a knowledge base, contains facts and rules to relate these facts distilled from a human expert.
Artificial intelligence can be effectively defined as "the simulation of human intelligence by machines programmed to mimic human thought and actions." There are several types of artificial intelligence, including reactive machines, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-aware systems. These types of artificial intelligence constitute the complexity and capabilities of the systems.
Expert systems include human software interactions in complex automated systems, especially in the decision-making processes of workers as they are supported by the software system. The knowledge base of an expert system is critical as it includes tested data and propositions that have been repeatedly observed and attributed to a cause.
The systemic way of knowing pertains to using a set of rules and symbols to operate within a system—akin to mathematical and geometrical knowledge—which is consistent with the approach used in expert systems to process and apply knowledge.
Even though philosophers like John Searle argue that truly strong artificial intelligence doesn't exist since computers lack human-like consciousness, the field of computer science widely recognizes the impact and capabilities of both strong and weak artificial intelligence.