Variable priorities and exclusionary reasons in input/output logic (Q1633232)

The author discusses differences in the resolution of conflict in normative reasoning as obtained under the approach of \textit{J. Horty} [Reasons as defaults. Oxford: Oxford University Press (2012)] (using ideas from default logic), \textit{J. Hanssen} [``Prioritized conditional imperatives: problems and a new proposal'', Auton. Agents Multi-Agent Syst. 17, No. 1, 11--35 (2008; \url{doi:10.1007/s10458-007-9016-7})] (using a logic of imperatives) and \textit{X. Parent} and \textit{L. van der Torre} [in: Handbook of deontic logic and normative systems. London: College Publications. 499--544 (2013; Zbl 1367.03044)] (using input/output logic with constraints). The discussion proceeds by close comparison of how various examples fare under the three kinds of analysis. The author concludes that the verdicts of Hansen [loc. cit] and of input/output logic agree on almost all examples, but disagree in many cases with those of Horty [loc. cit]. He suggests a way of adapting the input/output machinery to replicate Hanson's [loc. cit] system and a way of extending it to include some of the devices employed by Horty [loc. cit].