A Resolution-Based Calculus for Preferential Logics

Abstract

The vast majority of modal theorem provers implement modal tableau, or backwards proof search in (cut-free) sequent calculi. The design of suitable calculi is highly non-trivial, and employs nested sequents, labelled sequents and/or specifically designated transitional formulae. Theorem provers for first-order logic, on the other hand, are by and large based on resolution. In this paper, we present a resolution system for preference-based modal logics, specifically Burgess’ system Open image in new window. Our main technical results are soundness and completeness. Conceptually, we argue that resolution-based systems are not more difficult to design than cut-free sequent calculi but their purely syntactic nature makes them much better suited for implementation in automated reasoning systems. Show more