Dynamic deontic logic

Abstract

The system DDL (Dynamic Deontic Logic) was developed by Meyer [1988, 1989]. Meyer defined DDL as a modal logic, following an article by Anderson [1967]. The basis for DDL is the logic framework of (propositional) dynamic logic. The reduction of deontic operators to dynamic ones makes use of Anderson’s violation atom V to indicate that an action took place that violates one of the deontic constraints, i.e. that the performance of a forbidden action leads to a bad state of affairs. A bad state of affairs can be, e.g. a sanction, a liability to sanction or trouble. What exactly the consequences are of a bad state of affairs is another matter, and depends on the philosophy one adheres to. Our interpretation of the constant V is: the situation is in contravention of the law. Whether it leads to a sanction will be left aside here.