Nonmonotonic Reasoning: Logical Foundations of Commonsense (Cambridge Tracts in Theoretical Computer Science)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521181305 ISBN 13: 9780521181303

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

In this book the author gives a broad overview of different areas of research in nonmonotonic reasoning, and presents some new results and ideas based on his research. The guiding principles are: clarification of the different research activities in the area, which have sometimes been undertaken independently of each other; and appreciation of the fact that these research activities often represent different means to the same ends, namely sound theoretical foundations and efficient computation. The book begins with a discussion of the various types of nonmonotonic reasoning, their applications and their logics. Theorem proving techniques for these logics are also described. The following chapters deal with formulations of nonmonotonic inheritance, and nonmonotonic reasoning based on nonmonotonic rules. The final chapter discusses the achievements in the field in the light of the Yale shooting example. The book will be welcomed by researchers in theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.

Book Description:

This 1991 book gives an overview of different areas of research in nonmonotonic reasoning. The guiding principles are: clarification of the different research activities in the area and appreciation of the fact that these research activities often represent different means to the same ends, namely sound theoretical foundations and efficient computation.

Review:

"There is no doubt in my mind that Brewka's book is worth reading." V. W. Marek, SIGART Bulletin

"One group who would find this book useful is PhD researchers in logic and AI embarking on research programmes in nonmonotonic reasoning: before committing themselves to any particular approach they should read this book thoroughly." Ajit Narayanan, Expert Systems

"Readers should have a basic knowledge of first-order logic. With this preparation, they will find that the book gives a quick, broad introduction to nonmonotonic reasoning....It can be used as a reference book or a tutorial for a graduate course on nonmonotonic reasoning....Specialists in nonmonotonic reasoning can also benefit from reading the chapters discussing the author's proposals." J. Chen, Computing Reviews

"...covers important topics of nonmonotonic reasoning. The level of detail is well balanced with a reasonable reflection of the formal systems and techniques presented. The book is welcomed by researchers working on the fields of artificial intelligence and theoretical computer science." Heinrich Herre, Journal of Symbolic Logic