Logical Reconstruction Research Articles

A domain equation for bisimulation

Some basic topics in the theory of concurrency are studied from the point of view of denotational semantics, and particularly the “domain theory in logical form” developed by the author. A domain of synchronization trees is defined by means of a recursive domain equation involving the Plotkin powerdomain. The logical counterpart of this domain is described, and shown to be related to it by Stone duality. The relationship of this domain logic to the standard Hennessy-Milner logic for transition systems is studied; the domain logic can be seen as a rational reconstruction of Hennessy-Milner logic from the standpoint of a very general and systematic theory. Finally, a denotational semantics for SCCS based on the domain of synchronization trees is given, and proved fully abstract with respect to bisimulation.

Des systèmes experts aux systèmes à base de connaissances : à la recherche d'un nouveau schéma régulateur

From Expert Systems to Knowledge Based Systems : In Search of a New Regulating Scheme. We describe here three kinds of constraints to which knowledge-based systems are submitted : constraints of cognitive modelling, of logical reconstruction, of communicability and interaction in a real situation. Priority conflicts between these constraints are specially analyzed. Simultaneously, the paper examines in a critical way the main paradigm of AI, that of classical symbol systems. We next give the broad lines of a "new" regulating scheme, at the epistemological level, for designing and using these systems, which are then presented as aids to modelling.

An integration of object-oriented knowledge representation and rule-oriented programming as a basis for design and diagnosis of technical systems

We describe progress made within the FORK project, whose goals are the implementation of a primarily object-oriented knowledge representation system and its application to the design and fault diagnosis of technical systems. Whereas the kernel of the FORK representation system is completely object-oriented, the system as a whole is supposed to integrate a variety of different programming styles. In the following, an extension for rule-oriented programming is described, which raises the descriptive power of the FORK system beyond that of LOOPS. As an application of the rule-oriented component, a constraint language has been implemented which plays an important rule in our approach to the design and fault diagnosis of technical systems. In parallel to the implementation of the FORK system, a first study in the field of diagnosis has been conducted, aiming at a clarification of the basic problems and representational needs. After considering more traditional rule-based approaches to the diagnosis problem, we concentrated on an approach known as “based onstructure andbehavior”. Starting with an algorithm to diagnose multiple failures in electronic circuits, considerable extensions had to be made for the more complicated case of electromechanical systems. Since the object-oriented implementation of this diagnosis system, DIAGTECH, had to obey the restrictions of a PC, only a subset of the features offered by the FORK system was available. DIAGTECH is a hybrid system, because it also supports the rule-based style of diagnosis, for which our logic-based “expert system shell” DUCKITO is used as a subsystem. The next steps in the FORK project will include the development of a general logical framework, comprising a logical reconstruction of object-centered representations, retrieval of complex descriptions by unification, and deductions on structured objects. The problem of nonmonotonicity will be dealt with on the meta level by a module similar to deKleer's ATMS — which was not available for DIAGTECH. Further progress shall be achieved by concentrating on a general treatment of the problem of time in modelling technical systems which is to our opinion one of the most important issues.

Axiomatic foundations of the Marxian Theory of Value

The aim of the present paper is to provide a logical reconstruction of the Marxian Theory of Value. This reconstruction is based upon the concept of abstract as opposed to that of homogeneous labor. Abstract labour is a social relation that holds in a market economy, (at least) whenever the profit rate is uniform; it consists in a comparison of the different labors through the exchange relationship. The author proved in a different place (see Garcia de la Sienra, 1987) that there exists a mathematical representation of abstract labor which is unique up to similarity transformations. The existence of this function — which is none other than the value function — is the basis of the present axiomatization, which includes detailed reconstructions of two of the most important models of the theory.

H. B. Smith on modality: A logical reconstruction

H. B. Smith on modality: A logical reconstruction

How to invent a Prolog machine

In this paper we study the compilation of Prolog by making visible hidden operations (especially unification), and then optimizing them using well-known partial evaluation techniques. Inspection of straightforward partially evaluated unification algorithms gives an idea how to design special abstract machine instructions which later form the target language of our compilation. We handle typical compiler problems like representation of terms explicitly. This work gives a logical reconstruction of abstract Prolog machine code, and represents an approach of constructing a correct compiler from Prolog to such a code. As an example, we are explaining the unification principles of Warren’s New Prolog Engine within our framework.

Was heißt es, eine empirisch-wissenschaftliche Theorie zu konstruieren?

While the logical reconstruction of empirical theories is, in principle, no longer a matter of dispute, the possibility and, furthermore, the procedure of constructingab initio such theories are hardly debated upon, although this might be conductive to the advancement, above all, of sciences of a pre-paradigmatic status.

The logical reconstruction of pure exchange economics: Another alternative

The logical reconstruction of pure exchange economics: Another alternative

A logical reconstruction of Prolog II

Colmerauer has proposed a theoretical model for Prolog II based on tree rewriting rather than logic. In this paper, we show that Prolog II can be regarded as a logic programming language.

Speculations about Jakobson: Logical reconstruction from a literary point of view

Logical reconstructions of theories have apparently gained an enlarged domain of application. Following the Sneed-Stegmüller approach, philosophers of science are beginning to dedicate themselves to the mathematical properties of theories in the so-called pre-paradigmatic disciplines. The main concern of this paper is to discuss the value of logical reconstruction from the viewpoint of the literary scholar by reviewing the results of Balzer and Göttner's exposition of Jakobson's theory of literature. It is shown that Balzer and Göttner's exposition is partially insufficient and misleading because it does not account for central Jakobsonian concepts adequately. The line of arguments taken here starts with a brief discussion about the function of logical analyses within the study of literature, asking among other things why formal treatments of theories of literature should be achieved and why an almost 20 year old non-empirical theory is reconstructed by the authors although there are at least three different empirical conceptions of literary studies today. The relationship between linguistic theory and theory of literature in Jakobson's writings is analyzed in order to point up the differences between the view on linguistic poetics advocated here and the one suggested by Balzer and Göttner. Turning specifically to the defects of reconstruction, the concept of dominance is tentatively explicated. In a more detailed criticism the most obvious deficiencies of the logical approach to Jakobson's theory of literature are enumerated.

?A logical reconstruction of pure exchange economics?: An alternative view

In an interesting recent paper, Wolfgang Balzer (1982) presented a re? construction of pure exchange economics (PEE) by means of an informal model theory as it has been developed by Sneed, Stegm?ller, Balzer and others. An important aim of his reconstruction is "to provide a basis for reflecting on theories" and more specifically "to yield a basis for further investigation of different microeconomic theories and their intertheoretic relations" and "to elucidate the status of the utility function which is the central and crucial concept of micro-economic theories" (p. 23). In this contribution, we want to show that Balzer's reconstruction suf? fers from a basic weakness in his characterisation of an equilibrium and from his failure to introduce the important concept of demand-relation? ships. For this reason, it is strongly claimed that Balzer's reconstruction did not do justice to the standard texts he referred to on p. 24; it is in fact not in conformity with the presentation in these texts. On the basis of our own reconstruction as it is developed below we shall argue that the utility function is not "the central and crucial concept of micro-economic theories" (p. 23), in contrast to Balzer's view. Our own suggestion for a theoretical concept with respect to PEE, is the concept of a demand func? tion. These differences are not stressed merely for aesthetical or dogmatical reasons but simply because of the fact that any reconstruction in order to be useful for intertheoretical investigations should represent as closely as possible what scientists themselves feel about their theories. This, of course, does not mean reconstruction should necessarily lead to a simple and trivial restatement of scientists' views about their own subject. It has to grasp, however, all essential concepts used in stating a certain theory.

A logical reconstruction of pure exchange economics

A logical reconstruction of pure exchange economics

Elementos para una reconstrucción lógica de la teoría del valor de Marx

Resumen

Data bases

My work in data base theory is a natural outgrowth of my longstanding concern with the problem of representing and reasoning with domain specific knowledge, a problem of major concern in Artificial Intelligence. In data base terminology this is the conceptual modelling issue. My own methodological bias favours logic as a representation language for conceptual modelling, a bias which historically arose within AI in response to AI's emphasis on the ability to reason deductively with representations. In this position paper I shall argue that logic has other advantages for data base theory. Specifically my objective is to provide the outline of a logical reconstruction of certain aspects of conventional data base theory.

Data bases

My work in data base theory is a natural outgrowth of my longstanding concern with the problem of representing and reasoning with domain specific knowledge, a problem of major concern in Artificial Intelligence. In data base terminology this is the conceptual modelling issue. My own methodological bias favours logic as a representation language for conceptual modelling, a bias which historically arose within AI in response to AI's emphasis on the ability to reason deductively with representations. In this position paper I shall argue that logic has other advantages for data base theory. Specifically my objective is to provide the outline of a logical reconstruction of certain aspects of conventional data base theory.

Data bases

My work in data base theory is a natural outgrowth of my longstanding concern with the problem of representing and reasoning with domain specific knowledge, a problem of major concern in Artificial Intelligence. In data base terminology this is the conceptual modelling issue. My own methodological bias favours logic as a representation language for conceptual modelling, a bias which historically arose within AI in response to AI's emphasis on the ability to reason deductively with representations. In this position paper I shall argue that logic has other advantages for data base theory. Specifically my objective is to provide the outline of a logical reconstruction of certain aspects of conventional data base theory.

Towards a logical reconstruction of revolutionary change: The case of Ohm as an example

Towards a logical reconstruction of revolutionary change: The case of Ohm as an example

Wie arbeitet die analytische Wissenschaftstheorie?

In the last decade analytical philosophy of science has been considered by many people as a descriptive activity. In part I of this paper we show that philosophy of science has been designed as normative “logical analysis” by Reichenbach and Carnap before world war II. Thus the identification “analytical = descriptive” is historically unjustified. In part II we discuss three tasks of analytical philosophy of science, the logical reconstruction of concepts, theories, and methods. While the first is mainly descriptive, the third mainly normative, the second may be both, depending on the intended goal.

Le Sabre de Lumière et de Vertu de Sagesse: Anatomie d'Une Rémémoration

This paper describes how a very gifted acadian tale-teller, Hilaire Benoit, has proceeded from complete oblivion (forgetfulness?) to full recovery of one spécifie taie, Le sabre de lumière et de vertu de sagesse [The saber of light and wisdom). This taie belongs to the Irish tradition and it has also been found in a few samples in the French-Canadian tradition. It has been given number 305 A in Luc Lacourcière's fortheoming Catalogue raisonné du conte populaire français en Amérique du Nord. It is typical of the "story in the story" narrative form. It was possible to follow closely Hilaire's remembering through field notes and from some tape-recorded sessions. This progression is described here and it is followed by an analysis of the teller's mnemonic strategies which include: imagery of some key-motives, reiteration of segments where memory faits, detailed narration of well known segments, use of logic reconstruction, making of hypothesis, association with similar taies, association with the person from whom the tale was learned, endless repetition of mental work, questioning a person who knows the tale. To aid in comprehension of the argument, and for the sake of its own aesthetic quality, a full transcription of the final version is also given at the end of the discussion.

VORMEN VAN GODSDIENSTFILOSOFIE

SUMMARY Between 1971 and 1977 five books appeared in the Netherlands, all of them relating, directly or indirectly, to the philosophy of religion. Their authors were all professors of philosophy at Dutch universities. Acquaintance with these five publications can thus give an insight into current work in philosophy of religion at Dutch universities. This article does not give a complete summary of the individual books, but attempts to present the philosophical aims of their separate authors: what do they include under the title ‘philosophy (of religion)’, why do they practise it, and how much progress do they make? The works are as follows: H. Hubbeling: Denkend geloven [Thinking faith], 1976, presents philosophy of religion as a logical reconstruction of religious statements, a reformulation of religious propositions, and wherever possible argued support for them, with the help of modern logic. It remains unclear whether Hubbeling leaves room for the possibility of varieties of philosophy of religion other than logical reconstructions. H. Heering. Inleiding tot de godsdienstwijsbegeerte [Introduction to philosophy of religion] 1976, practises philosophy of religion as (phenomenological) analysis of the meaning of religious phenomena. In practice this is restricted to a comparison of the motives of present-day philosophy and Christian belief. He does not himself consider the extent to which he thinks philosophy of religion must deal with a search for truth, apparently because he holds a very restrictive view of the validity of human reason in matters relating to God. V. Brümmer; Wijsgerige begripsanalyse [The philosophical analysis of concepts], 1975, deals, in the style of John Austin, with a number of concepts of fundamental importance for theology and philosophy of religion. My commentary concentrates first and foremost on Brümmer's theory of truth and knowledge, and concludes that here philosophy is practised as an ‘impressionistic empiricism’. Herman Berger: Zo wijd als alle werkelijkheid [As broad as all being], 1977, aims at the rehabilitation of metaphysics, both for its own sake and for the sake of philosophical theology. In the process he emphasizes an ontology of individuality: man as (finite) spirit, God as guaranteeing the infinity of man. My commentary emphasizes that this metaphysics necessarily remains abstract, by reason of the fact that it remains within the limits of a subjective idealism. Ad Peperzak: Verlangen [Desire], 1971, aims quite express at a hermeneutic of the Christian experience of the way to God; at the same time he wishes to formulate insights of general philosophical significance. My commentary shows how in this project a speculative theory of truth is made use of, having its source in idealism. As an analysis of one kind—and not of the sole kind—of Christian experience, this book has a limited but real value. In conclusion it is stated that each of these five philosophical productions reveals an internal lacuna by virtue of its failure to give that rational reconstruction, both of religion and philosophy of religion, which is to be found in the critique of ideologies.