A first-order conditional logic for prototypical properties (Q1108818)

The paper deals with the problem of an appropriate representation of knowledge about defaults and prototypical properties of various objects. The approach accepted analyzes weak points of some other approaches and considers on logical systems concerning similar tasks. To design a new, more adequate logical system for representing statements with defaults and prototypical properties the frame of classical first-order logic is chosen, but enriched with a ``variable conditional'' operator to express relations between entities and their prototypical properties. As the first stage of this system a propositional logic (PC) is proposed with a formal semantics and proof theory. The semantics is based on the possible-worlds conception. The PC system is extended to conditional logic (NP) as the smallest logic containing the calculus PC. This NP system is then extended to the resultant first-order logical system which is proved to be sound and complete. Properties of the resultant formal system are argued to correspond to common intuitions concerning defaults and prototypical properties.