Formal and Applied Practical Reasoning

robot_girl.gif

This design, by Lydia Rivlin, was used for an academic conference poster and book cover. Apparently it caused some controversy. About its design, Lydia says (personal communication, 16 Aug 2006):

“When I had to think of something to illustrate the idea of formal (i.e. mechanical) and applied practical reasoning, this image of a robot chatting up a prostitute sprang straight into my mind. […] I have an idea he is asking her how much she would charge for an oil change – but I could be wrong.”