Statistical AI, arising from machine learning, tends to be more

concerned with "inductive" thought: given a set of patterns, induce

the trend.  Classical AI, on the other hand, is more concerned with

"deductive" thought: given a set of constraints, deduce a conclusion.

Another difference, is that C++ tends to be a favourite language for statistical AI while LISP

dominates in classical AI.

A system can't be truly intelligent without displaying properties of

both inductive and deductive thought.  This lends many to beleive that

in the end, there will be some kind of synthesis of statistical and

classical AI.