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What is Neurosymbolic AI?

Neurosymbolic AI is the convergence of Neural Networks (deep learning, LLMs) and Symbolic Reasoning (logic, mathematics, formal methods).

The Two Paradigms​

1. Neural (Subsymbolic)​

  • Examples: GPT-4, Claude, Llama
  • Strength: Pattern recognition, language understanding, creativity
  • Weakness: Cannot prove correctness, prone to hallucinations
  • Output: Probabilistic (maybe correct)

2. Symbolic​

  • Examples: Z3 (SAT Solver), SymPy (Computer Algebra), Prolog (Logic Programming)
  • Strength: Deterministic reasoning, mathematical proof
  • Weakness: Cannot understand natural language
  • Output: Deterministic (proven correct)

The Neurosymbolic Synthesis​

QWED bridges both worlds:

Natural Language Query
         ↓
    LLM (Neural)
    "Translates to formal logic"
         ↓
   Symbolic Solver
   "Proves correctness"
         ↓
   Verified Result

Example:

User Query: "What is the derivative of x²?"

Neural Step (GPT-4):

LLM translates to SymPy code:
>>> from sympy import symbols, diff
>>> x = symbols('x')
>>> diff(x**2, x)

Symbolic Step (SymPy):

Result: 2*x  # Mathematically proven

QWED verifies: ✅ LLM said "2x", SymPy proves "2x" → Verified!

Why Neurosymbolic Wins​

Problem: LLM-Only Systems​

Scenario: Healthcare AI diagnoses patient

GPT-4: "Give aspirin (contraindicated with warfarin)"
      ↓
 NO VERIFICATION
      ↓
  ☠️ Patient harm

Solution: QWED (Neurosymbolic)​

GPT-4: "Give aspirin"
      ↓
Medical Logic Engine: Checks drug interaction database
      ↓
Z3 Solver: Proves "aspirin + warfarin = contraindicated"
      ↓
🛑 BLOCKED + Alert doctor

Research Background​

Neurosymbolic AI is backed by leading research:

  • Google DeepMind: AlphaProof (math theorem proving)
  • MIT CSAIL: Neurosymbolic programming
  • IBM Research: Neuro-symbolic learning

QWED is the first open-source implementation focused on LLM verification.

QWED's Neurosymbolic Architecture​

Neural Components (Untrusted Translators):​

  • OpenAI GPT-4
  • Anthropic Claude
  • Google Gemini
  • Ollama (Local LLMs)

Symbolic Components (Trusted Verifiers):​

  • SymPy → Math verification
  • Z3 → Logic verification
  • Python AST → Code security verification

The Contract:​

ComponentRoleTrust Level
LLMTranslate natural language → formal logic⚠️ Untrusted
Symbolic SolverExecute logic, prove result✅ Trusted

Comparison: Symbolic vs Neural vs Neurosymbolic​

ApproachUnderstands Language?Proves Correctness?QWED Uses
Symbolic Only❌ No✅ YesVerification engines
Neural Only✅ Yes❌ NoTranslation step
Neurosymbolic✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Both combined!

Real-World Impact​

Finance Example:​

Old Way (LLM-only):

GPT: "Investment return = 12.5%"
→ Trust blindly
→ $12,889 error (from benchmark)

QWED Way (Neurosymbolic):

GPT: "Investment return = 12.5%"
→ SymPy calculates: 11.8%
→ 🛑 Mismatch detected!
→ ✅ Corrected before loss

Code Security Example:​

Old Way:

GPT: "Here's the code"
```python
eval(user_input)  # Dangerous!

→ No check → 🔓 Security breach


**QWED Way:**

GPT: "Here's the code" → AST analyzer detects 'eval' → 🛑 UNSAFE CODE → ✅ Blocked before execution


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## Why "Neurosymbolic" Matters for QWED

### Marketing Advantage:
- **Sounds cutting-edge** (attracts researchers, VCs)
- **Backed by academic research** (credibility)
- **Differentiates from competitors** (not just "another verification tool")

### Technical Accuracy:
- We **actually are** neurosymbolic (not just buzzword)
- LLMs (neural) + SymPy/Z3 (symbolic) = textbook definition

### Future-Proof:
- Neurosymbolic is the **direction** AI research is heading
- QWED is already there

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## Further Reading

- [Neurosymbolic AI - MIT](https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.00813)
- [DeepMind AlphaProof](https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/ai-solves-imo-problems-at-silver-medal-level/)
- [IBM Neurosymbolic AI](https://research.ibm.com/topics/neurosymbolic-ai)

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**QWED: Where Neural Networks meet Mathematical Proof.** 🧠🔬