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Principles of Knowledge Construction in Artificial Intelligence Systems: Philosophical-Methodological Aspect

https://doi.org/10.32603/2412-8562-2026-12-3-5-15

Abstract

Introduction. The article addresses current philosophical problems of post-nonclassical science related to the analysis of machine learning-based intelligent systems. It contains a comparative analysis of constructivist and realistic approaches to identify the heuristic potential of radical constructivism in building a flexible functional architecture for AI.

Methodology and sources. The research is based on a comparative analysis of realistic and constructivist approaches. Its methodological apparatus includes the principles of operational closure and cognitive construction of reality, developed in the works of E. von Glasersfeld, J. Piaget, and their followers. The central thesis is the interpretation of knowledge not as a reflection of objective reality, but as a construction, the criterion of which is functional suitability for solving problems. This is reflected in modern machine learning concepts, such as reinforcement learning.

Results and discussion. It is demonstrated that the key principles of constructivism – the operational nature of knowledge, the iterative construction of cognitive structures, and the pragmatic criterion of viability – offer solutions to AI problems such as the “black box” problem, static nature of models, and contextual data dependency. This is achieved by rethinking machine learning as a process of active construction of functional representations and shifting the focus from accuracy to functional adequacy in specific applied contexts.

Conclusion. The developed tenets of radical constructivism help to rethink the nature of data and models in machine learning and open up prospects for a deeper analysis of the requirements for iterative and adaptive learning architectures and the development of artificial intelligence systems.

About the Author

S. A. Bakin
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
Russian Federation

Sergey A. Bakin – Postgraduate Student at the Higher School of Social Sciences, Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University.

29 Polytechnic str., St Petersburg 195251



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For citations:


Bakin S.A. Principles of Knowledge Construction in Artificial Intelligence Systems: Philosophical-Methodological Aspect. Discourse. 2026;12(3):5-15. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32603/2412-8562-2026-12-3-5-15

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ISSN 2412-8562 (Print)
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