The IMPL Policy Language for Managing Inconsistency in Multi-Context Systems

Abstract

Multi-context systems are a declarative formalism for interlinking knowledge-based systems (contexts) that interact via (possibly nonmonotonic) bridge rules. Interlinking knowledge provides ample opportunity for unexpected inconsistencies. These are undesired and come in different categories: some may simply be repaired automatically, while others are more serious and must be inspected by a human operator. In general, no one-fits-all solution exists, since these categories depend on the application scenario. To nevertheless tackle inconsistencies in a general and principled way, we thus propose a declarative policy language for inconsistency management in multi-context systems. We define its syntax and semantics, discuss methodologies for applying the language in real world applications, and outline an implementation by rewriting to acthex, a formalism extending Answer Set Programs.