A Semantics for Means-end Relations |
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Authors: | Jesse Hughes Peter Kroes Sjoerd Zwart |
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Institution: | (1) Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 3600, MD, Eindhoven, The Netherlands;(2) Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5, 2600 Delft, AA, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | There has been considerable work on practical reasoning in artificial intelligence and also in philosophy. Typically, such
reasoning includes premises regarding means–end relations. A clear semantics for such relations is needed in order to evaluate
proposed syllogisms. In this paper, we provide a formal semantics for means–end relations, in particular for necessary and
sufficient means–end relations. Our semantics includes a non-monotonic conditional operator, so that related practical reasoning
is naturally defeasible. This work is primarily an exercise in conceptual analysis, aimed at clarifying and eventually evaluating
existing theories of practical reasoning (pending a similar analysis regarding desires, intentions and other relevant concepts).
“They were in conversation without speaking. They didn’t need to speak. They just changed reality so that they had spoken.”
Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man |
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Keywords: | Means– end relations Propositional dynamic logic Formal semantics Practical reasoning |
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